“Excuse my French!” and other popular European sayings

As the final of this year’s Eurovision hits our screens tonight, I thought it would be apt to focus attention on English sayings that include a reference to a European country, city, nationality or language.

So let’s kick off this post on European sayings with three Dutch ones…

Double Dutch

One way to insult someone is to insult their language. This derogatory phrase originates from the historical contempt held by the English of their powerful economic rivals. It means gibberish, incomprehensible speech or a language that one doesn’t understand.

Dutch courage

This saying refers to bravery induced by alcohol. It alludes to the long-standing belief that the Dutch are heavy drinkers – a commonly held opinion among the English since the time of the Dutch Wars in the 17^th and early 18^th centuries.

Go Dutch

People use this expression when they want to share the cost of something equally. Hence an excursion or entertainment paid for in this way is a Dutch treat, and sharing the cost of meal in a restaurant is eating Dutch. American in origin, it’s believed to arise from the careful money management that characterised Dutch immigrant households in the early 20^th century.

Excuse my French! / Pardon my French!

We use this idiom to apologise for swearing or use of offensive language. However, as both the speaker and the listener are well aware that the profanity is English, not French, it’s somewhat of a mock apology. The saying derives “from a literal usage of the exclamation. In the 19th century, when English people used French expressions in conversation they often apologised for it ­– presumably because many of their listeners (then as now) wouldn’t be familiar with the language”.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark

One of the most recognisable lines in all of William Shakespeare’s works, this phrase from Hamlet is usually wrongly attributed to the troubled Prince of Denmark himself. However, it’s actually Marcellus, a palace guard, who says these infamous words after seeing the ghost of the dead king walking over the palace walls. In everyday conversation, it’s used to describe corruption or a situation in which something is perceived to be wrong.

Take French leave

This saying is used when making an unannounced or unauthorised departure from a party or other gathering. It originated from the custom prevalent in 18^th century France of leaving a reception or entertainment without taking leave of one’s host or hostess. Interestingly, the French say the opposite – filer à l’anglaise – which literally means to “flee English-style”.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

When you’re visiting a new place, this proverb recommends you should abide by the customs of that society. But it’s become synonymous with going with the flow, i.e. doing something because everybody around you is doing it. Due to its familiarity, it’s often used in the shortened version: When in Rome… As for its origins, it turns out that it’s all to do with the travel arrangements of a couple of early Christian saints. So now you know!

Over to you

I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of European sayings. Any others that you’d care to add? Please share them in the comments below.

(Images via and via)