☝️ Excuse My French
Definition: A polite or semi-ironic way to apologize for using profanity or otherwise improper language.
Synonyms: Pardon my French, forgive my potty mouth, sorry for the salty talk, excuse the expletives.
Antonyms: Eloquently spoken, articulate, refined language, soft-spoken.
Humor-Filled Quote: “Sorry about that, my vocabulary slipped on a banana peel and landed in the sewer. Excuse my French!” - B. L. Equent Rambler
Proverb: “Do as I say, not as I swear!” - Anonymous Proverbial Sage
In Literature: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, where colorful insults occasionally flow from grumpy characters like Miss Havisham.
In Song Lyrics: “CeeLo Green’s ‘Forget You’ (explicit version) – though perhaps not the kind of French you’d want your grandmother translating.”
In Movies: “A Christmas Story” – where Ralphie tries to get away with saying “fudge” instead of a very unseasonal “f-word.”
Related Expressions
- Pardon My French: An alternative way to apologize for swearing, with the same level of semi-irony. Used interchangeably with “Excuse My French.”
- Mind Your Tongue: A milder, more old-fashioned caution against using bad language.
- Wash Your Mouth Out with Soap: A humorous threat often used to remind someone of proper language use.
- Slip of the Tongue: Unintentional raining of profanities.
Intriguing Tidbit 🤔
Did you know, back in the 19th century, “French” was metaphorical for anything a bit risqué, provocative, or at the boundaries of polite society? Thus, our expressions still bear the colorful culture of that era.
Quizzes to Sharpen Your Wits 🧠
Let’s part ways with a chuckle and a nugget of wisdom. Remember, words are powerful; use them wisely, tweak them humorously, and sometimes, when they step out of line—just excuse your French.
— B. L. Equent Rambler, October 2023
