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July 04, 2005
Vishy's Indian English Dictionary: French beard
French beard. /FRE·nch BEE·yurd/. A pattern of facial hair with a thin moustache, which wraps around the lips to continue into a beard that covers the chin region only. The rest of the face, especially the cheeks, are clean shaven. Known generally in the United States as a goatee.
Origin unknown. The closest I could find was a mention of a facial hairstyle related to the goatee called the royale or impériale that was worn by French officers. Maybe the British taught this word a while back to the English speaking Indian classes to express their contempt at this hirsute hauteur and make fun of the French at the same time.
Posted by Vishy at July 4, 2005 01:43 PM