Excuse my French

Please forgive me for swearing.



In the 19th century, when English people used French expressions in conversation they often apologised for it - presumably because many of their listeners (then as now) wouldn't be familiar with the language.

Ex: Someone swears and then realising that there are children around says “excuse my French” in order to apologise but also to cover up the fact they swore.



Spanish: perdón por mi frances



German: Verzeihen Sie meine Ausdrucksweise

