French Letter

[LBernier at tribune.com]

     My own wildly speculative opinion would be that "letter" could 
     represent the entire package:  condom as an "envelope" and (ahem) the 
     contents as a missive of sorts.  The fact that the English (filthy 
     dogs - I fart in your general direction!) would call it a "French" 
     letter may have something to do with the fact that sex using 
     protection in the 17th century was probably NOT conjugal, hence the 
     pejorative use of the adjective French.  And vice-versa for the French 
     and "English Letter."
     
     Jean "I know you are, but what am I" Bernier, whose family hails from 
     Quebec, so is above all this silly French/English rivalry.:-)