Pardon my French

Meaning

Apologize for swearing or saying something impolite.

Usage

Often precedes slang or taboo expressions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Victorian polite excuse when using profanity.

Used since the 19th century when people feared sounding rude.