Excuse my French?

[Papa Deuce]

Ok, I have heard this all my life. I understand what we mean when we say it. But where did it originate?

An article on the mayor of NOLA, using the term.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168269,00.html

 

[SherryNC]

Excuse My French
Meaning to forgive one for using a swear word / cussing. This is a phrase used when one tries to pass swearing off as french language.

Further notes: the expression comes from England, it does refer to the use of swear words. it was a way of demonising England's enemy of the time. also the French disease - syphilis England also went to war with the Dutch, which is where the phrases Dutch courage, and double Dutch come from ... Dutch courage - the only way the Dutch can get courage to fight is through drink. Double Dutch - talking nonsense.