I believe that the term 'Frog', as applied to anything French, came about due to the penchant for Napoleon's army to wear green uniforms. This was back in the day when black powder was used on the battlefield and it became extremely difficult for soldiers to determine who was the enemy and and who was an ally.

I've never heard the phrase "F****** Frog"...I suppose the aliteration gives it more oomph or something.

If the term 'Frog' is a derogatory one, then it must be some sort of national insult, rather than a religious, ethnic, or racial one. I, for one, love the French, as I know that we 'Yanks' wouldn't have won the revolution or had any chance in 1812-1814 without their help. I certainly haven't forgotten that our Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. In fact, my daughter spent a year in France[on a grant] while in school. She really enjoyed that, and learned a lot. So I was under the impression that 'Frog' was pretty much akin to 'Yank' as far as national slang term was used.

Apparently, many believe that it's a rather unflattering epithet, as it has been used as an insult rather often, it would seem. OK...so be it.

However, there is this: "Again, I suggest that you not use it in front of any of my family. "

That it's interesting statement. I make it a point not to use derogatory ethnic, religious, or racial terms at any time for any reason, so if the term 'Frog' is a hate-word for the people of France, then I will add that to my growing list of off-limits words and phrases. Nevertheless, that particular sentence appears to contain some sort of threat...pray tell, what would happen to any unfortunate, ignorant cretin who make the mistake of uttering the foul word in front of John's family? Would there appear a knife or firearm? Would John's skills in unarmed hand-to-hand combat come quickly into play? Would the individual be stared down and humiliated?

Some of us Americans may have noticed in recent years a growing international trend for the most foul and derogatory words and phrases directed at our own country and government. So far I haven't shot anyone over this, although the desire to do so is very strong. I understand that name-calling shouldn't be the basis of violence, especially extreme violence.

So, summing up a bit: To many, 'Frog' is an insulting country-of-origin word, and should not be used. If any foolish knave were to use it in the company of French folks or Francophiles, they could come under some sort of attack, perhaps even a physical assault. I'll never be able to watch Gene Hackman in 'The French Connection' again without wanting to wash his mouth out with soap. 'First Frog' indeed!

To John C. -- You strike me from your posts here as a very intelligent and remarkably talented individual, who has an extensive and comprehensive education, as well as a wealth of experience. I will stick my already extruded neck out a bit farther and surmise that the education and experience did not come from a wealthy or priviledged background, but rather from a great deal of personal effort on your part. So it is with some humility that I may offer a bit of advice: try to thicken up your emotional epidermis a little. I do appreciate the education on the evil side of 'Frog' , and I will really and truly add it to my off-limits vocabulary. I thank you for that. You might have been a bit more pedantic in the process, and a bit less threatening, but I get the point nevertheless.

Now let us pause for a kumbaya moment..................

Fire, the wheel, and the I IV V -- foundations of civilization.