For some reason, there are various things which are prefaced with the word, ‘French’, and yet they have little or nothing to do with France. Here are a few you may be familiar with but if you know of any others, please let us know in the comments below.
French bulldog
The pint-sized pooches were introduced into Normandy during the mid-1800s by migrating English lace-makers. They soon became firm favorites of local farmers, and in time, through selective breeding became recognized as a separate type of bulldog, as opposed to merely being the runts which the English foisted onto the French!
French Toast
Mmm, that eggy, buttery, cinnamon-y crispy breakfast bread we all love was actually invented in ancient Rome, not in France.
French Fries
Although some French folk like to claim these little sticks of fried potato goodness as their own, the general consensus however, is that the name actually originated with British and US troops who were stationed in Belgium during WWII, who simply named them after the local language.
French Horn
It might be more appropriate to call this brass instrument a German horn, since this is to where it owes its origin.
French Press
Given that it was invented by Attilio Calimani in 1929, this coffee pot should be called an Italian Press.
French Cricket
This is really a simplified form of the British sport, and it’s thought to be so-named as a gesture of mockery to the French. Alors!
Pardon My French
This was originally coined by people in 19th century Britain when using genuine French expressions, upon realising that other people in the conversation may not understand them. These days however, English-speaking people tend to use it when they are about to use an expletive.
French Dressing
Vinaigrette is a true French salad dressing – the stuff you buy in the supermarket, which is labelled, ‘French Dressing’, isn’t.
French Kissing
The French kiss each other just the same as everyone else does – we don’t have the monopoly on being sensual… although very often, we are perceived as being so by the rest of the world; hence, non-French soldiers returning home after WWI, dubbed this particular passionate demonstration, French kissing.
French Plait (Braid)
French women have a reputation for being chic, so it’s understandable that this neat, hairdo might prompt someone to attribute it to l’Hexagone; however, one glimpse at ancient Greek art will show you that this particular coiffure has been around for far longer than France has!
Which others can you think of?
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