Those French things… Are they really French?
In the English language, many things have “French” as an adjective. This article will show you to be wary of the names of things.
Is the French toast French?
No!
A French toast is a dish which is made from old bread. Due to the religious meaning of bread, it’s not acceptable to waste it. Eggs and milk make it less dry and if you add cinnamon and sugar, it can even be delicious. The French toast, called “pain perdu” in French can be served in five-star restaurants. Despite the fact this dish has become a luxury in some places, it’s not a French dish. Trying to eat the bread, even when it’s dry is common sense in many cultures all over the world.
Is a French kiss French?
No!
A French kiss is a sensual kiss made with the tongue. The French did not invent it but practice it. It after the Second World War that American soldiers saw French people kiss passionately and decided to call this type of kiss, a French kiss.
A French kiss in French slang is “une galoche” or “une pelle”.
Is a French letter French?
No!
A French letter is a condom, called “un préservatif” in French. It has nothing to do with a letter written in the beautiful French language. Indeed, it’s the only contraceptive which protects from pregnancy and sexually transmitting diseases. We don’t know the origins of the condom but it was used in England in the 18th century. Why is it called a French letter? Maybe because of the reputation of the French. They are famous to have a crazy sexual life, not being faithful and “ménage à trois” comes from the French language.
Are French fries French?
No!
Actually, we don’t know the exact origins of the French fries, called “frites” in French.
The Belgians like thinking that they are theirs. They event wanted to have their “pommes de terre frites” recognized by Unesco.
Is the French leave French?
Not only!
A French leave is when you leave a party without informing anyone. It’s important to know that in France, when you leave, you must kiss on their cheeks each guest (that was before Covid, of course…). Leaving discreetly is rude and rudeness is not French only. It’s important to highlight the fact in French, “French leave” is translated into “filer à l’anglaise”.
These expressions come from the Napoleonic wars and the conflicts between the English and the French.
Is the French bulldog French?
No!
It depends on where the dog was born!
Is the French dressing French?
No!
In the US, the French dressing is a creamy dressing that you eat with lettuce. In French, “dressing” is “vinaigrette”. The French “vinaigrette” is something serious in the French cuisine. It has nothing to do with something creamy.
It contains vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, scallop and chive. 1/3 of vinegar for 2/3 oil. Oil kills the acidity of the vinegar. You can also add one spoon of Dijon mustard if you wish.
Is French bread French?
No!
What the Americans call “French bread” is a loaf which can be soft like a “bun” and made of sourdough. That French bread is called “pain brioché” in France and it is not a baguette, which is the real bread of the French. A baguette must be crispy and about 25 inches long. It’s made of water, salt, flour and yeast.
Are French windows and French doors French?
Yes!
They were very fashionable during the 17th century in France, when it was La Renaissance.
The French doors and the French windows are still considered as elegant in architecture.
What’s the difference between a French window and a French door?
You can walk through a French door!
Is a French drain French?
No!
Henry Flagg French invented the French drain in Massachusetts in the 1800’s. The system has the name of its inventor.
Words don’t always say the truth. The French may not have invented most of these names which contain “French” but they have invented many things that you would not even suspect:
The automobile, the hot air balloon, bleach, Champagne, the guillotine, the pencil, the pencil sharpener, the bicycle, the trash can, the bra, pétanque, the helicopter, and the TGV (the high speed train)…
As the French say: “Impossible n’est pas français!”