Literally: “Parisian” / meaning: condom
Clichés are very unfairly distributed. While the world sees us Germans as rather humorless organizational talents, the fine sense for physical pleasures is mainly attributed to the French. Language also reflects that. Everyone can probably still remember their first “French kiss”. And perhaps other wonderful things that followed, which are also described with the word “French.”
To ensure that everything runs safely and hygienically, you need what is known in English as a “French letter” and in German simply as a Pariser. This expression probably goes back to a brand name. As early as the end of the 19th century, you could buy condoms bearing the name “Le Parisien” (which, by the way, were meant to be used multiple times). In Germany, this name has survived to this day.
So what about the origins of the French expression “capotes anglaises” (“English hoods”)? Well, this one goes back to none other than Charles Goodyear, manufacturer of the first modern rubber condom, who obviously was an Englishman. In his honor, it would be about time to name a love practice after the English. So what would qualify as “the English position”? Maybe, making love while queueing would be a good choice for this…
