THINGS YOU CALL FRENCH THAT WE DON'T
You know how sometimes, a particular thing is so deeply attached to the country it comes from that it's just how it's known throughout the rest of the world? Take the expression "English breakfast" for example: would you still call it that if it hadn't been made so famous that tourists from all part of the globe happily stroll into restaurants to order this exotic combination of beans and sausages? I think not. Well today, let's talk about all these things that have - sometimes incorrectly - been deemed French in the English language.
French fries
What we call them: frites (fries)
Why you call them French: The legend says it's because Thomas Jefferson, American Founding Father, author of the American Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States of America, loved to eat chips with his Sunday chicken. Just kidding. Apparantly, he once had his potatoes served 'in a French manner' at a dinner party in the White House in 1802, and everyone freaked about it.
Why you shouldn't: I don't know if I should say it but... French fries come from Belgium. Reports say that in the 18th century, Belgian people use to fry their fish to give it a better taste; when there was no more fish around, they fried their potatoes instead, probably out of nostalgia. Meanwhile in France, Mr. Parmentier was fighting the battle of his life to give potatoes the prestige they were due, in a country where people were convinced eating patates would give them tuberculosis. So you see, we have nothing to brag about. In any way 1) Americans are wrong to call them French and 2) chips, in French, means 'crisps'. So maybe just call them fries?
Fun fact: in France, a more appropriate term for 'patates' is 'pommes de terre', apples of the Earth.
French toast
What we call it: pain perdu (lost bread)
Why you call it French: French toast was first invented in Europe, and was popularised in America by European - and more particularly French - immigrants. I guess it makes sense: if you're bound to leave your country and everything you know behind, at least take a great recipe with you to make you feel at home when you settle in a new land. I know I'd want my marmite sarthoise with me if I had to leave forever. Also, thinking about it, French toast is made out of stale bread, and we all know what country is known for its bread binge-eating habits.
Why you shouldn't: This is starting to get awkward but... French toast was not invented in France. People already made Pan Dulcis in 4th-century Rome, that is to say far, far before France was even a tiny baby of a kingdom. So yeah, wrong again.
French kiss
What we call it: a kiss (we usually use the verb 'embrasser' more than the noun 'baiser' cause it sounds weird). Although we have plenty of expressions to say it, we don't have a single word that is not slang.
Why you call it French: Who knows, really? There are many theories regarding the origin of the expression, all of them related to the idea of French people being sensual and lustful. I guess this particular way of kissing made such an impression on British and American soldiers that they had to call it French when they exported it back in their countries.
Why you shouldn't: French people can't be the only one in the world to use their tongue while kissing. Actually, they used to call it a 'Florentine kiss' so you see, we weren't the one to invent such a blatant display of affection.
French Riviera
What we call it: La Côte d'Azur (Azure Coast)
Why you call it French: That one is pretty simple. The expression 'French Riviera' was used by English-speakers by analogy with the Italian Riviera, that splendid coastal strip teeming with sunny beaches, quaint little restaurants and charming villages. Admittedly, the French Mediterranean coast looks a lot like what you can find in Italy.
Why you shouldn't: Because you make us feel sad and small by disminishing the importance of our natural heritage, as if our beautiful coastline were just a pale copy of Italian landscapes. Plus we've already found the perfect name to describe the azure blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. Côte d'Azur, come on!
The French Open
What we call it: Roland-Garros
Why you call it French: This one always gets me a little confused. Are French people the only ones in the world to call this tennis tournament Roland Garros? Is it because it's easier to remember the place where it actually takes place, much like the US Open and the Australian Open? But then why not call Wimbledon the British Open? So many questions...
Why you shouldn't: Roland Garros was named after Roland Garros, a French aviator and fighter pilot, who was also the first man to cross the Mediterranean Sea by air. We kind of like our heroes, but since he was in no way related to tennis (in NO WAY whatsoever), I don't see any reason why you shouldn't call the tournament however you want (except you won't be understood by French people if you call it the French Open).