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Originally Posted by ahi
No guesses? Oh well...
The word "franc" is the archaic name for "France", unsurprisingly enough. Nowadays Hungarians call France, "Franciaország" (lit. "french country").
The word "franc", however survives as a mild to moderate curse word of sorts.
"Hol a francban?" - Where in France?
"Mi a franc?" - What the France?
"Menj a francba!" - Go to France!
"A francba!" - [Go] to France!
et cetera ...
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that's hilarious !!! i must start using those curses myself.
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It should, at this time, be noted that present-day Hungarians do not associate the word "franc" with "France" or really anything in particular. Unless the person in question has read about, has had it pointed out to them, or wondered about it a bit of their own accord, it is likely to be perceived as a curse word with no primary meaning. Kind of like "darn" in English, but its original meaning slightly more obscured.
Anyways though... why do livid Hungarians send their countrymen to France?
Simple! The use of the word as a curse originates way back during the times of the plague (or not terribly long thereafter). It was rumored in Hungary that the plague had originated in France, and so France become seen as a place of death.
"Go to France!" was basically a slightly more creative way of saying, "Go and die!" or "Go catch the plague and die from it!"
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very interesting story ! thanks for the etymology. i'm always a fan.
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Wasn't that a nice story? My apologies to any Frenchmen or Frenchwomen--both for the irreverent use of your country's name and for the weak responsibility of sorts Hungarians must own up to, for Sarkozy having been loosed upon your fair nation!
- Ahi
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yes, i don't mind the use of france as a curse but i am holding a grudge for that one.
