This particular cross-lingual misunderstanding is an old classic, this version of which was posted by Tom Evans of JokeEmail.com.

When Charles deGaulle decided to retire from public life, the British ambassador and his wife threw a gala dinner party in his honor. At the dinner table the Ambassador’s wife was talking with Madame deGaulle.

“Your husband has been such a prominent public figure, such a presence on the French and International scene for so many years! How quiet retirement will … Read the rest...