french (redirected from frenches)

Pardon my French, and Excuse my French.

Inf. Excuse my use of swear words or taboo words. (Does not refer to real French.) Pardon my French, but this is a hell of a day. What she needs is a kick in the ass, if you'll excuse my French.

See also: pardon

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a French letter  (informal, old-fashioned)

a thin rubber covering that a man can wear on his penis during sex to stop a woman becoming pregnant or to protect him or his partner against infectious diseases In those days, French letters were the only form of contraceptive we had.

See also: letter

be a [Londoner/patriot/politician etc.] through and through  also be [French/good/honest etc.] through and through

if someone is a Londoner etc. or is French etc. through and through, they behave in a way that is typical of such a person and that is the most important part of their character He always managed to say the right thing. He was a politician through and through. She never really settled in England. She was French through and through.

See know through and through

See also: and, through

French leave  (old-fashioned, humorous)

a period when you are absent from work without asking for permission

Usage notes: In the 18th century in France, it was the custom to leave an official event or party without saying goodbye to the person who had invited you.

Is Ray really ill again, or is he just taking French leave?

See Pardon my French!

See also: leave

Pardon my French!  (British humorous)

something that you say which means you are sorry because you have said an impolite word The silly sod never turned up, pardon my French.

See also: pardon