Phoque, not to be confused with fuck, is the French word for seal. If you are innocent and stub your toe, happen to drop an f bomb, and feel bad about it, just know that all you did was say seal in French.
Person one: stubs toe, drops f bomb
Also Person one: says seal in french(phoque)
The origin of the phrase "Pardon my French" because of its odd sounding pronounciation. Phoque-prounced Fhawk, means seal in French. The pronounciation sounds like a similar word used by today's kids and therefore when asking for forgiveness after a bad word is said, the statement "Pardon my French" can be used to alleviate the tension.
Man: "Phoque you"
Girl "How dare you?"
Man: "Ooops, pardon my French. I meant seal."