French letter

Definition

A condom.

Etymology

From French + letter. Compare earlier French pox, French-sick (“syphilis”), or later French safe, French tickler (“condom”), or French kiss. Attested from the 19th century.

Example Sentences

• "‘So you’re fifteen – and you know the function of a “French letter”? You are familiar with its use?’ ‘I know what it’s for, sir, yes.’"
• "“I suppose it’s too much to hope that you have a question about gonorrhea. Those questions are so much easier to answer.”[…] “I was going to ask about what you said earlier. That you’d... that you’d... not used a French letter in eighteen months.”"