Frenchy/ie - bad word?

[Spikoul]

Hello everyone,

I'm French and I'm planning to start a business selling French food abroad.

I found what I think is a cool name for the company using the word "Frenchy/Frenchie" but then I read somewhere that it was used as a derigatory term in English-speaking countries.

Since I will target people from these countries, I'd like to confirm if the term is adequate or not for this use.

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks

[nectarine]

I'd say it's more an affectionate term, compare it to the term 'froggie' which is usually more derogatory. "Frenchie" isn't something I'd see as unpleasant at all. What company title do you plan to use?

[YCCMB]

It's a rather outdated slang term for a condom, but I don't think many would consider it as such any more.

[NormanH]

As long as it isn't French letter or French leave both of which are as Betty says out dated but still might cause hilarity in some circles.

Same I suppose for a 'bit of'french'

We say 'Frenchiefied' to mean 'rather over-decorated' or 'pretentious' also, so be a bit careful with that

[Patf]

There used to be someone who posted on here called Frenchie, mostly in a very long thread about music.

I think she was a youngish woman, very pleasant.

She was French.

[Jonzjob]

[quote user="nectarine"]I'd say it's more an affectionate term, compare it to the term 'froggie' which is usually more derogatory. "Frenchie" isn't something I'd see as unpleasant at all. What company title do you plan to use?[/quote]

The name Frogs ia not a Brirish derogatory name for the French. It's a French one for the French. It comes from the daze when Paris was in the middle of a rather large swamp. The Parisians with the cash lived in the middle, dry, bit and the poorer folk in the swamp were called the grenouille. The British soldiers fighting here at the time heard the name and adopted it for all of the French.

That's the story anyway and knowing the reputation of the Parisians who wouldn't believe it [:-))]

[Graham & Brenda]

I agree with the other posts - I don't think it would be derogatory in the UK but I can't comment for other English speaking countries.

[nomoss]

There is someone, who, more explicitly than their name suggests, posts on another forum - which most people here know well, who continually uses the term "frenchie" in what I have always interpreted to be a derogatory manner.

There are many possible connotations, and I don't think it's at all a good name to use for your business.

[Spikoul]

There are some conflicted opinions but it seems that most of you agree the term is not really derogatory. I'll think about it more but for now I'm still considering using it.

In any case, thanks for all your answers!

[YCCMB]

The only thing I would add is that it's pretty unoriginal. Looking at Google, you're going where a lot of people have gone before.

[Cendrillon]

If you go with the brand name Frenchy do not offer "something for the weekend Sir?"

Some would find that hilarious!