<P> `` Pardon my French '' or `` Excuse my French '' is a common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as words from the French language . The phrase is uttered in an attempt to excuse the user of profanity , swearing , or curses in the presence of those offended by it , under the pretense of the words being part of a foreign language . Although the phrase is often used without any explicit or implicit intention of insulting the French people or language , it can nevertheless be perceived as offensive and belittling by Francophone speakers . However , most users of the term intend no such belittlement , but rather a light - hearted way of apologizing on - the - fly for having used a somewhat profane comment . In other words , it can be ( and usually is ) used as a very effective oral English device to indicate that the speaker does not intend to escalate the general level of profanity use . </P>
what is the meaning of excuse my french
common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as words from the French language