The relationship between France and England has long been characterized by rivalry and competition. This has led to a number of unflattering stereotypes on both sides of the Channel. One enduring nickname the French have for the English is “rosbifs” – literally meaning “roast beefs.” This stems from the English tradition of eating roast beef, in contrast to the more refined French cuisine. But do the French still commonly use this term? Is it more of a historical relic or an ongoing slur? Looking at the evidence suggests it persists as a minor jab, though holds less weight than in previous centuries.
Origin and Meaning
The “rosbifs” epithet originated in the early 19th century, though the exact roots are uncertain. One common story is that it emerged around 1815 after the defeat of Napoleon. The British army occupied Paris, and their penchant for beef over French cooking was mocked by locals. An 1820 French dictionary defined “Rosbif” as: “A disparaging name that the French give to the English, based on their preference for roast beef over the refined dishes of French cuisine.”
So at its core, it poked fun at perceived English culinary inferiority and lack of sophistication compared to French culture. Their plain, simple roast beef was a symbol of British preference for basic, uncouth fare over intricate French dishes. As one French chef allegedly stated: “The English take their joints of roasted beef specifically to have the pleasure of seeing a bloody morsel swimming in pale juice.” The term thus tied to broader stereotypes of the English as crude, unsophisticated, and domineering in contrast to the cultured, refined French.
Historical Use and Decline
In the 1800s and early 1900s, “rosbifs” was a common taunt. It appeared regularly in French writing, cartoons, comic songs, and everyday conversation. Some examples help illustrate its prevalence:
– An 1815 French comic play titled “Les Rosbifs” featured a buffoonish English officer named Sir Rosbif.
– In 1877, French composer Claude Debussy wrote a piece “Rosbifs et Trinity Church,” mocking English taste.
– French postcards in the late 1800s often depicted English as simpletons in bowler hats feasting on giant slabs of roast beef.
So at its height, rosbifs seemed ubiquitous as a shorthand for mocking the English. But its use slowly declined over the 20th century. As cultural exchanges increased across the Channel, and English cuisine became more varied and sophisticated, the term lost much of its sting. A French dictionary in 1932 noted it was passing out of daily use. And the rise of the EU and shared European identity made such national stereotypes less intense on both sides.
Modern Usage
The term did not disappear entirely. But these days it is often used in jest between friends, rather than as a serious slur. Some examples of current usage:
– In 2006, French president Jacques Chirac playfully called a British colleague “an old rosbif.”
– When England faced France in Euro 2012, some French fans held up signs saying “Frogs vs Rosbifs” – reappropriating the term.
– On online French forums, some use it casually in comments like “going on vacation with my rosbifs pals.”
So it tends to appear now in lighter-hearted, ironic contexts. A 2018 survey found only 36% of French people still used the term at all, and rarely in a derogatory manner. Rather than scorn, it often signals a sort of grudging affection between the old rivals.
Other French Nicknames
While “rosbifs” has faded, other French nicknames for English persist. These include:
| Nickname | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Les Anglais | The English |
| Les Goddams | From “God damn” – mocking English cursing |
| Les dents du lapin | “Rabbit teeth” – teasing English teeth |
Some additional ones poke fun at perceived poor style, like “Les requin-cravates” (“The tie-wearing sharks”). These are more commonly used by everyday French people when discussing the English. While harmless fun, it does suggest some remnant stereotyping lingers.
English Terms for the French
The English have their own nicknames for the French as well, often reciprocating the mockery:
| Nickname | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frogs | Referencing frogs as a French food |
| Surrender monkeys | Implying cowardice in war |
| Garlic munchers | Poking fun at French garlic use |
So the French are not alone in using national food stereotypes and historic rivalries in their nicknames. However, English terms like “frogs” also seem to have faded in everyday usage today.
Conclusion
While “rosbifs” may not be extinct, it is far from its heyday as a common taunt against the English. France today is more a fond friend than scornful foe. But harmless stereotypes and lingo still link the two cultures together in subtle ways. And the long history of rivalry will likely ensure some gentle mockery always remains between these European neighbors. The English can take comfort that their beloved roast beef is now more cause for friendly chuckling than vicious scorn across the Channel.