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# excuse my language

phrase (formula, said before or after swearing; also «excuse my French», «pardon my language», «pardon my French»)

«excuse my language» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (polite formula) a short apology for using a swear word or rude word you have just said or are about to say.
2. (humorous) said half-jokingly while still swearing.

### In the lessons

People use it to show they know a word is rude while saying it anyway, often in front of older people, children or at work. Everyday, all regions; «excuse my French» is a joking version (the rude word is English, not French).

### Examples

- Excuse my language, but that referee was bloody useless.
- That's a load of rubbish, excuse my language.
- Grandad said a rude word and quickly added, "Excuse my language, kids."
- Excuse my language, but what the heck were you thinking?
- The footballer told the interviewer, "Excuse my language, it was a hard game."
- Pardon my French, but that test was a nightmare.
- She swore at the printer, then turned round and said, "Sorry, excuse my language."
- "Excuse my language" doesn't make it OK to swear in class, Jayden.

### Note

Trap: it is not about another language; «excuse my French» does not mean you spoke French. It apologises but still lets the rude word be said, so in school it does not make swearing allowed. Plain meaning: «sorry for swearing».