<Li> "to take a French leave" (to depart a party or other gathering without taking polite leave of one's host) is referenced in French as filer à l'anglaise (lit . "leave English - style"). </Li> <Li> "French letter" (now somewhat archaic; referring to a condom) is rendered in French as capote anglaise ("English hood" or "English cap"). </Li> <Li> During the 16th century in England, genital herpes was called the "French disease" and "French - sick" was a term for syphilis, while at the same time, it was called le Mal de Naples (the Napoli disease), hence attributing the belief that syphilis came from the south, into France, and then into England . </Li>

Where does the phrase excuse my french come from