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[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/pardon-my-french/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [P](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/p/) / pardon my french

# pardon my french

phrase (sentence add-on: pardon my French, excuse my French; French is a name, capital F)

«pardon my french» 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

(euphemism, humorous) excuse my swearing; I'm sorry for the rude word I just said or am about to say.

### In the lessons

People say it before or after a swear word as a half-joking apology; it pretends that the rude word was a foreign word. Everyday and humorous register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- Pardon my French, but that was a bloody stupid thing to do.
- It's a load of rubbish, pardon my French.
- Excuse my French, but what the heck is going on?
- Grandma said «damn», then «pardon my French».
- Pardon my French, kids — Daddy hit his thumb.
- The coach shouted, then added, «Pardon my French, lads.»

### Note

It has nothing to do with the French language. Saying it does not make the swear word polite. Plain meaning: sorry for swearing.