Why are the English called roast beef?

Answer 1

The French call the English "Rosbif' because originally the English roasting style (spit roasting) became very fashionable with the wealthy French elite. The French couldn't do it properly and employed English roasters in their households in the 18th century.

Since then the term has taken on a mildly derogatory meaning, simply meaning an Englishman. No more derogatory than the English calling the French 'Frogs' though, I suppose.

Answer 2

It is actually refers to very pale white English people who travel to France and become very red from sun bathing, making them look like roast beef.

because roast beef is traditional on an English roast dinner

Answer 3

"Rosbif" which is what they call the English in France, is parallel to "frog". Roast Beef was considered a very popular way of cooking beef in the 18th century. It became the mark of the Englishmen according to the French. There was a heated argument between France and the English on imports which France had an illegal ban on. It assumed that beef was among these imports. The insult "frog" however dates back to the 1300's.

Answer 4

It is actually refers to very pale white English people who travel to France and become very red from sun bathing, making them look like roast beef.