9 French Things That Are Not From France: French Fries, French Kiss, French Braid and More

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9 French Things That Are Not From France: It is strange that a lot of things that we see around comes with a prefix 'French' in the English language but they are not French or have their origin in France at all be it - food items, fashion, machines, beauty, etc.

Starting with the simplest of things, French Fries, French toast, French braid, French press, French hore, French manicure, and even Fench kiss, can you believe that? You will be astounded that existed first somewhere else. Here is a list of 9 things that are anything but French. So, satiate your curiosity by reading this article.

1. French Kiss

You will be surprised to know that the French kiss originated in America and Great Britain and it basically means kissing with the tongue. Kissing wasn't invented by the French and it only became popular after World War I when soldiers returned home from Europe. In France, it is referred to as un baiser amoureux ("a lover's kiss") or un baiser avec la langue ("a kiss with the tongue"), and was previously known as un baiser Florentin ("a Florentine kiss").

2. French Fry

A good French fry is to die for. While potato is one of the most humble and versatile vegetables, french fries simply put a crown on it as one of the most sought-after and tasty dishes. But, sorry to burst your bubble, it is not French and its origin can be traced back to Belgium. According to Historians, potatoes were being fried in the late 1600s and a Belgian lore suggests that it was a substitute for poor villagers of Meuse Valley when they couldn't go fishing in winter and used potatoes and other root vegetables as an alternate substitute.

3. French Braid

Turns out that the popular French braids are not French at all and it will take you by surprise that its origin lies in North Africa. It is the simplest form of a three-stand braid in which hair is divided into three sections, which are then simultaneously gathered together near the scalp. However, don't blame the French as they do not claim it as their hairstyle, in fact, it is the Americans who have given the braids this inaccurate name.

4. French Mustard

According to some historians, Mustard originated first in Ancient Egypt and some also find its origin in Indus Valley Civilization. It is said that the Romans emulated the Greeks to use it both in food and medicine as well. French Mustard is believed to be created by the British and it is just a milder version of the English mustard.

5. French Toast

Well, close your mouth if you are shocked and surprised at the same time because the French were not the ones to inveNt French toast. It was actually the Americans who gave the name 'French toast' to this simple dish and it was popularized by French immigrants in the US. The funny thing is it existed even before France was created. Also, some think that battered toast comes from Ancient Roman times and others believe that it was invented in English during the Middle Ages.

6. French Horn

The French horn is a brass instrument made of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. But, it is also not from France, as the name suggests. German inventor Heinrich Stoelzel was the creator of the French horn, and it was named so after the instrument's F pitch key. Therefore, this popular instrument is not French in any way and is used widely in the United States.

7. French Dressing

In case you have this misconception that French dressing originated in France, then you are wrong. This delicious dressing which is simply made from oil and vinegar was first created in the United States and was first marketed by Kraft to American citizens. Later, it became a gooey, sweet, tomatoey dressing. However, it is said to be a synonym for vinaigrette in Britain, according to the Kitchen Project.

8. French Manicure

French Manicure is no way from France as this quintessentially chic and classic nail design was created by Jeff Pink. Founder of the ORLY International in 1975. He was an American beauty supplier in Hollywood. Pink took this look to Paris where models wore it during the fashion shows. For those unaware, French manicure is a subtle pink shade with a bright white tip and it is loved by women across the world.

9. French Press

A French Press coffee is to die for and is loved around the globe but it is not French either. The first appearance of the French press as we more commonly see it today comes via another patent, this one in the United States by Italians Attilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta in 1929, mentions a report. There are disputes regarding its origins. According to a report in the New York Times, it was developed by a Frenchman in the 19th century.