Anne here, starting off with a one-question mini-quiz. In the Regency-era (1811—1820), what was a snob? (Hint: these are all true dictionary definitions.)
a) A shoemaker or cobbler; a cobbler's apprentice.
b) A game of cricket played with a soft ball and a thick stick in lieu of a bat.
c) The last sheep to be sheared; the roughest or most difficult sheep to shear.
d) Any one not a gownsman (university student); a townsman.
e) A person belonging to the ordinary or lower social class; one having no pretensions to rank or gentility.
f) A person who has little or no breeding or good taste; a vulgar or ostentatious person.
g) A person who admires and seeks to imitate, or associate with, those of higher social status or greater wealth; one who wishes to be regarded as a person of social importance.
h) A person who despises those whom he or she considers to be inferior in rank, attainment, or taste.
And the answer(s) are both a and d.
What, you say? When did 'snob' as we mostly use it today come into use? According to the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) snob as defined in answer h) above, didn't come into use until 1911. The OED lists the first time a word was found in print, so it's likely that spoken usage came a little earlier.
It's interesting that it's the last definition that is the one most used today, and yet it is also the most recent. It's also interesting to me that several versions of 'snob' (d, e, f and g) in the past are almost the direct opposite of what we think of a snob today, and refer to 'outsiders' of some sort.
Out of interest, the dates the OED lists for the earliest known use of each meaning of snob are as follows:
a) a shoemaker or apprentice — 1785
b) a game like cricket —1888
c) the last sheep — 1945 (used mainly in Australia and NZ)
d) an ordinary non-university person (it was a Cambridge term) — 1796
e) a lower class person — 1831
f) a vulgar or ostentatious person —1838
g) someone who copies or tries to be part of the upper class — 1848
h) a person who looks down on those they consider inferior — 1911
One of the defining features of the Regency was snobbishness, and yet they had no word for it. And that's a key to attitudes of the time. These days, if we call someone a snob it's generally a negative comment, a pejorative description.
But as we all know, English is a constantly evolving language, and meanings and word usage change over time. Exclusive is another one — these days it's mostly used to mean prestigious or even glamorous, but it originally meant to exclude, or shut out
In the Regency-era, a new wealthy middle class was rising, factory owners and entrepreneurs were threatening the hereditary preeminence of the aristocracy and the aristocracy were battling to maintain their superior position. So they used terms like exclusive, discriminating, refined, keeping up standards and so on — and regarded it as A Good Thing.
Private gentlemen's clubs were discreetly though firmly exclusive — they excluded people they didn't want. New members had to be nominated by other members, and then voted on by secret ballot by the rest of the membership, through the use of black and white balls — white for approval, black for rejection. This system is still in use by many private clubs around the world today, and we all know what is meant when we hear that someone was 'black balled'.
The famous club of Almack's was a ladies' version — and their approval system was unashamedly public. It was partly "who you knew" but that was only the first step. To visit Almack's you had to apply to and be approved by a small group of intensely snobbish and controlling society women — the patronesses. Without a voucher from them you had no hope of ever getting in.
A Regency author I know once said to me, "My heroines never go to Almack's. I mean, Almack's — all those stupid rules and then stale bread and cake with lemonade — how boring."
It seemed to me that she entirely missed the point. Yes, people at the time probably did complain about the rigidity of the rules at Almacks, and the refreshments were certainly nothing to write home about, and the entertainments fairly ordinary. And the patronesses were dictatorial and horribly snobbish.
And while that might not appeal to us today, exclusivity, not refreshments was the whole point. The plain suppers were deliberate — they weren't trying to complete with private balls that served lavish suppers — and besides, they weren't exactly stale — the bread was very thinly sliced for buttering and you can't do that with very fresh bread. As for the 'dry' cake, 'dry' in that sense meant without icing; it would be something like a plain pound cake.
Almack's was all about the company, the prestige of being part of a very exclusive group — the 'in' crowd. It was harder to get a voucher to Almacks than to be presented to the Queen. You could be incredibly rich, and still be refused a voucher. You might be poor but of 'good family' (ie aristocratic lineage) and receive vouchers. You might be of good family, but if your behavior wasn't up to the standards set by the patronesses, you would receive no vouchers.
In other words, you would be blackballed. And who wants to be blackballed? It's one thing to choose not to attend Almack's, it's quite another not to be allowed admission to mingle with the cream of high society. And to have your voucher withdrawn meant that you'd been tried and found wanting — the ultimate social failure— if you cared about that sort of thing, of course. Not everyone did. But parents with marriageable sons and daughters certainly would, I think.
Almack's was the place where you could bring your children and be sure of meeting the best possible candidates for marriage, if by 'best' you mean well-connected and more or less well-behaved. Parental do the same thing today — sending their children to the 'best' schools and universities in the hope that they will meet, make friends with and eventually marry people of a similar background and cement their position in influential society.
So, snobbery might not be a term Regency aristocrats used, but in practice they were proudly and unashamedly snobbish. And though people today tend to deny their own snobbery, it's still very much alive today, though in different forms.
I'll happily admit to being a bit of a coffee snob. As a romance writer I regularly encounter literary snobs, and one of my friends is a terrible wine snob and is so busy showing off his knowledge that he never seems to actually enjoy most wine. And I know people who repeatedly line up in the (vain) hope of being admitted to nightclubs known for 'exclusivity" — they choose or reject patrons at the door.
What about you — what kind of snobbery do you see in society today? Do some kinds bug you more than others? And what do you have snobbish tendencies about?
A fascinating post, Anne – I had no idea that word had so many meanings! And it is indeed interesting that the newest one is the one in use now. I love the way language develops over time! As for snobbery, I really detest it in every shape or form, but it’s probably human nature and will never entirely go away.
I would love to time-travel back to the Regency and attend Almacks just once to see if it really was as dire as some people said 🙂
A fascinating post, Anne – I had no idea that word had so many meanings! And it is indeed interesting that the newest one is the one in use now. I love the way language develops over time! As for snobbery, I really detest it in every shape or form, but it’s probably human nature and will never entirely go away.
I would love to time-travel back to the Regency and attend Almacks just once to see if it really was as dire as some people said 🙂
A fascinating post, Anne – I had no idea that word had so many meanings! And it is indeed interesting that the newest one is the one in use now. I love the way language develops over time! As for snobbery, I really detest it in every shape or form, but it’s probably human nature and will never entirely go away.
I would love to time-travel back to the Regency and attend Almacks just once to see if it really was as dire as some people said 🙂
A fascinating post, Anne – I had no idea that word had so many meanings! And it is indeed interesting that the newest one is the one in use now. I love the way language develops over time! As for snobbery, I really detest it in every shape or form, but it’s probably human nature and will never entirely go away.
I would love to time-travel back to the Regency and attend Almacks just once to see if it really was as dire as some people said 🙂
A fascinating post, Anne – I had no idea that word had so many meanings! And it is indeed interesting that the newest one is the one in use now. I love the way language develops over time! As for snobbery, I really detest it in every shape or form, but it’s probably human nature and will never entirely go away.
I would love to time-travel back to the Regency and attend Almacks just once to see if it really was as dire as some people said 🙂
Anne, I had no idea that snob had so many meanings or that the most recent meaning is the one we all use now. (Though I’d have like to meet one of those snob Aussie sheep. *G*) In groups and out groups and social climbing seem to be innate to human nature. As for Almacks: as Groucho Marx famously said, he wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit him. (I’m not entirely sure that applies here, but it seems like it should!)
Anne, I had no idea that snob had so many meanings or that the most recent meaning is the one we all use now. (Though I’d have like to meet one of those snob Aussie sheep. *G*) In groups and out groups and social climbing seem to be innate to human nature. As for Almacks: as Groucho Marx famously said, he wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit him. (I’m not entirely sure that applies here, but it seems like it should!)
Anne, I had no idea that snob had so many meanings or that the most recent meaning is the one we all use now. (Though I’d have like to meet one of those snob Aussie sheep. *G*) In groups and out groups and social climbing seem to be innate to human nature. As for Almacks: as Groucho Marx famously said, he wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit him. (I’m not entirely sure that applies here, but it seems like it should!)
Anne, I had no idea that snob had so many meanings or that the most recent meaning is the one we all use now. (Though I’d have like to meet one of those snob Aussie sheep. *G*) In groups and out groups and social climbing seem to be innate to human nature. As for Almacks: as Groucho Marx famously said, he wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit him. (I’m not entirely sure that applies here, but it seems like it should!)
Anne, I had no idea that snob had so many meanings or that the most recent meaning is the one we all use now. (Though I’d have like to meet one of those snob Aussie sheep. *G*) In groups and out groups and social climbing seem to be innate to human nature. As for Almacks: as Groucho Marx famously said, he wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit him. (I’m not entirely sure that applies here, but it seems like it should!)
Anne, thank you for your educational and entertaining post!
I imagine that the last photo is something that many people can identify; I am not one of that group. Can anyone help me out? I’m guessing it’s from a television show, and I’m not a viewer.
And now I’d like a slice of pound cake….
Anne, thank you for your educational and entertaining post!
I imagine that the last photo is something that many people can identify; I am not one of that group. Can anyone help me out? I’m guessing it’s from a television show, and I’m not a viewer.
And now I’d like a slice of pound cake….
Anne, thank you for your educational and entertaining post!
I imagine that the last photo is something that many people can identify; I am not one of that group. Can anyone help me out? I’m guessing it’s from a television show, and I’m not a viewer.
And now I’d like a slice of pound cake….
Anne, thank you for your educational and entertaining post!
I imagine that the last photo is something that many people can identify; I am not one of that group. Can anyone help me out? I’m guessing it’s from a television show, and I’m not a viewer.
And now I’d like a slice of pound cake….
Anne, thank you for your educational and entertaining post!
I imagine that the last photo is something that many people can identify; I am not one of that group. Can anyone help me out? I’m guessing it’s from a television show, and I’m not a viewer.
And now I’d like a slice of pound cake….
Such a fascinating post, Anne. I, too, had no idea there were so many definitions. (But that’s the fun of language—when you discover new and different meanings to a word. I love “snob”as one of the most difficult sheep to shear.I like that that sort of snob!)
I wish I could actually experience a night at Almack’s and see all the interactions. I wonder if lady Jersey was as impossibly annoying as people say. (Her nickname was Silence because she apparently never shut up.)
I’m a chocolate snob in some way . . .but I cheerfully gobble up most any variation of it, so at heart I’m an egalitarian. And I like to think I’m that way in most things.
Such a fascinating post, Anne. I, too, had no idea there were so many definitions. (But that’s the fun of language—when you discover new and different meanings to a word. I love “snob”as one of the most difficult sheep to shear.I like that that sort of snob!)
I wish I could actually experience a night at Almack’s and see all the interactions. I wonder if lady Jersey was as impossibly annoying as people say. (Her nickname was Silence because she apparently never shut up.)
I’m a chocolate snob in some way . . .but I cheerfully gobble up most any variation of it, so at heart I’m an egalitarian. And I like to think I’m that way in most things.
Such a fascinating post, Anne. I, too, had no idea there were so many definitions. (But that’s the fun of language—when you discover new and different meanings to a word. I love “snob”as one of the most difficult sheep to shear.I like that that sort of snob!)
I wish I could actually experience a night at Almack’s and see all the interactions. I wonder if lady Jersey was as impossibly annoying as people say. (Her nickname was Silence because she apparently never shut up.)
I’m a chocolate snob in some way . . .but I cheerfully gobble up most any variation of it, so at heart I’m an egalitarian. And I like to think I’m that way in most things.
Such a fascinating post, Anne. I, too, had no idea there were so many definitions. (But that’s the fun of language—when you discover new and different meanings to a word. I love “snob”as one of the most difficult sheep to shear.I like that that sort of snob!)
I wish I could actually experience a night at Almack’s and see all the interactions. I wonder if lady Jersey was as impossibly annoying as people say. (Her nickname was Silence because she apparently never shut up.)
I’m a chocolate snob in some way . . .but I cheerfully gobble up most any variation of it, so at heart I’m an egalitarian. And I like to think I’m that way in most things.
Such a fascinating post, Anne. I, too, had no idea there were so many definitions. (But that’s the fun of language—when you discover new and different meanings to a word. I love “snob”as one of the most difficult sheep to shear.I like that that sort of snob!)
I wish I could actually experience a night at Almack’s and see all the interactions. I wonder if lady Jersey was as impossibly annoying as people say. (Her nickname was Silence because she apparently never shut up.)
I’m a chocolate snob in some way . . .but I cheerfully gobble up most any variation of it, so at heart I’m an egalitarian. And I like to think I’m that way in most things.
Really interesting post! The current definition of snob is the one I find most fascinating. I like to watch real estate shows on tv, especially ones for the rich, who are mostly extremely snobbish. From what I have seen- large amounts of money in no way equals good taste! OMG some of the houses are incredibly gaudy and yet listening to the owners they obviously think they are a step up on everybody else – great fun!
Really interesting post! The current definition of snob is the one I find most fascinating. I like to watch real estate shows on tv, especially ones for the rich, who are mostly extremely snobbish. From what I have seen- large amounts of money in no way equals good taste! OMG some of the houses are incredibly gaudy and yet listening to the owners they obviously think they are a step up on everybody else – great fun!
Really interesting post! The current definition of snob is the one I find most fascinating. I like to watch real estate shows on tv, especially ones for the rich, who are mostly extremely snobbish. From what I have seen- large amounts of money in no way equals good taste! OMG some of the houses are incredibly gaudy and yet listening to the owners they obviously think they are a step up on everybody else – great fun!
Really interesting post! The current definition of snob is the one I find most fascinating. I like to watch real estate shows on tv, especially ones for the rich, who are mostly extremely snobbish. From what I have seen- large amounts of money in no way equals good taste! OMG some of the houses are incredibly gaudy and yet listening to the owners they obviously think they are a step up on everybody else – great fun!
Really interesting post! The current definition of snob is the one I find most fascinating. I like to watch real estate shows on tv, especially ones for the rich, who are mostly extremely snobbish. From what I have seen- large amounts of money in no way equals good taste! OMG some of the houses are incredibly gaudy and yet listening to the owners they obviously think they are a step up on everybody else – great fun!
Thanks, Kareni. That photo is from an old English comedy show called Keeping Up Appearances, about a crashing snob called Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as Bouquet) It’s been on US TV I’m pretty sure.
You can watch a few snippets on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt-jvU5Iag
Thanks, Kareni. That photo is from an old English comedy show called Keeping Up Appearances, about a crashing snob called Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as Bouquet) It’s been on US TV I’m pretty sure.
You can watch a few snippets on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt-jvU5Iag
Thanks, Kareni. That photo is from an old English comedy show called Keeping Up Appearances, about a crashing snob called Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as Bouquet) It’s been on US TV I’m pretty sure.
You can watch a few snippets on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt-jvU5Iag
Thanks, Kareni. That photo is from an old English comedy show called Keeping Up Appearances, about a crashing snob called Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as Bouquet) It’s been on US TV I’m pretty sure.
You can watch a few snippets on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt-jvU5Iag
Thanks, Kareni. That photo is from an old English comedy show called Keeping Up Appearances, about a crashing snob called Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced by her as Bouquet) It’s been on US TV I’m pretty sure.
You can watch a few snippets on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGt-jvU5Iag
Thanks, Christina — this is what happens when you have the OED on-line. I had just typed the word snob, and something made me decide to check when it was first used. And curses! I almost with I’d never checked it, as it’s such a useful word, especially when writing about Regency society. But once you know, you can’t un-know, can you?
I don’t believe Almacks was all that dire — until the end when it went right downhill. The company would be sparkling, people would be all dressed up and there would be endless subtle intrigue happening. The dreary food, yes — but young ladies weren’t supposed to have stomachs anyway, were they? And certainly not appetites, so my guess is they’d eat well before they left home. And the pallid drinks offering might be dull, but it would prevent drunkenness I suppose.
Thanks, Christina — this is what happens when you have the OED on-line. I had just typed the word snob, and something made me decide to check when it was first used. And curses! I almost with I’d never checked it, as it’s such a useful word, especially when writing about Regency society. But once you know, you can’t un-know, can you?
I don’t believe Almacks was all that dire — until the end when it went right downhill. The company would be sparkling, people would be all dressed up and there would be endless subtle intrigue happening. The dreary food, yes — but young ladies weren’t supposed to have stomachs anyway, were they? And certainly not appetites, so my guess is they’d eat well before they left home. And the pallid drinks offering might be dull, but it would prevent drunkenness I suppose.
Thanks, Christina — this is what happens when you have the OED on-line. I had just typed the word snob, and something made me decide to check when it was first used. And curses! I almost with I’d never checked it, as it’s such a useful word, especially when writing about Regency society. But once you know, you can’t un-know, can you?
I don’t believe Almacks was all that dire — until the end when it went right downhill. The company would be sparkling, people would be all dressed up and there would be endless subtle intrigue happening. The dreary food, yes — but young ladies weren’t supposed to have stomachs anyway, were they? And certainly not appetites, so my guess is they’d eat well before they left home. And the pallid drinks offering might be dull, but it would prevent drunkenness I suppose.
Thanks, Christina — this is what happens when you have the OED on-line. I had just typed the word snob, and something made me decide to check when it was first used. And curses! I almost with I’d never checked it, as it’s such a useful word, especially when writing about Regency society. But once you know, you can’t un-know, can you?
I don’t believe Almacks was all that dire — until the end when it went right downhill. The company would be sparkling, people would be all dressed up and there would be endless subtle intrigue happening. The dreary food, yes — but young ladies weren’t supposed to have stomachs anyway, were they? And certainly not appetites, so my guess is they’d eat well before they left home. And the pallid drinks offering might be dull, but it would prevent drunkenness I suppose.
Thanks, Christina — this is what happens when you have the OED on-line. I had just typed the word snob, and something made me decide to check when it was first used. And curses! I almost with I’d never checked it, as it’s such a useful word, especially when writing about Regency society. But once you know, you can’t un-know, can you?
I don’t believe Almacks was all that dire — until the end when it went right downhill. The company would be sparkling, people would be all dressed up and there would be endless subtle intrigue happening. The dreary food, yes — but young ladies weren’t supposed to have stomachs anyway, were they? And certainly not appetites, so my guess is they’d eat well before they left home. And the pallid drinks offering might be dull, but it would prevent drunkenness I suppose.
It was a fairly recent discovery for me, too Mary Jo. I think the Aussie sheep snobs would be a right handful. Love that Groucho Marx comment. I was invited to join an old established (quite posh) ladies club one time but that’s not my thing, so I thanked them and refused. I suspect that sort of club for ladies is rather a thing of the past, but gentlemen’s clubs still flourish — and they have quite rigid exclusion policies and still blackball people.
It was a fairly recent discovery for me, too Mary Jo. I think the Aussie sheep snobs would be a right handful. Love that Groucho Marx comment. I was invited to join an old established (quite posh) ladies club one time but that’s not my thing, so I thanked them and refused. I suspect that sort of club for ladies is rather a thing of the past, but gentlemen’s clubs still flourish — and they have quite rigid exclusion policies and still blackball people.
It was a fairly recent discovery for me, too Mary Jo. I think the Aussie sheep snobs would be a right handful. Love that Groucho Marx comment. I was invited to join an old established (quite posh) ladies club one time but that’s not my thing, so I thanked them and refused. I suspect that sort of club for ladies is rather a thing of the past, but gentlemen’s clubs still flourish — and they have quite rigid exclusion policies and still blackball people.
It was a fairly recent discovery for me, too Mary Jo. I think the Aussie sheep snobs would be a right handful. Love that Groucho Marx comment. I was invited to join an old established (quite posh) ladies club one time but that’s not my thing, so I thanked them and refused. I suspect that sort of club for ladies is rather a thing of the past, but gentlemen’s clubs still flourish — and they have quite rigid exclusion policies and still blackball people.
It was a fairly recent discovery for me, too Mary Jo. I think the Aussie sheep snobs would be a right handful. Love that Groucho Marx comment. I was invited to join an old established (quite posh) ladies club one time but that’s not my thing, so I thanked them and refused. I suspect that sort of club for ladies is rather a thing of the past, but gentlemen’s clubs still flourish — and they have quite rigid exclusion policies and still blackball people.
Thanks, Andrea — I’m a coffee snob in the same way. I have strong preferences but I’ll drink whatever I’m offered.
I think the Patronesses have come to be so widely fictionalized that it’s impossible to know what they would really have been like. I’ve known a few people who could easily wear the nickname “Silence”
Thanks, Andrea — I’m a coffee snob in the same way. I have strong preferences but I’ll drink whatever I’m offered.
I think the Patronesses have come to be so widely fictionalized that it’s impossible to know what they would really have been like. I’ve known a few people who could easily wear the nickname “Silence”
Thanks, Andrea — I’m a coffee snob in the same way. I have strong preferences but I’ll drink whatever I’m offered.
I think the Patronesses have come to be so widely fictionalized that it’s impossible to know what they would really have been like. I’ve known a few people who could easily wear the nickname “Silence”
Thanks, Andrea — I’m a coffee snob in the same way. I have strong preferences but I’ll drink whatever I’m offered.
I think the Patronesses have come to be so widely fictionalized that it’s impossible to know what they would really have been like. I’ve known a few people who could easily wear the nickname “Silence”
Thanks, Andrea — I’m a coffee snob in the same way. I have strong preferences but I’ll drink whatever I’m offered.
I think the Patronesses have come to be so widely fictionalized that it’s impossible to know what they would really have been like. I’ve known a few people who could easily wear the nickname “Silence”
Janet, yes — good taste and snobbery is not at all the same thing, and I think that’s part of what the snobbish Regency aristocrats thought about the nouveau riche.
I remember watching one of those shows where a family agreed to live a pioneer style life for a certain length of time in a small cabin in the wilderness, being self-sufficient etc. That life, where they had to work together and talk and be with each other brought them closer and it seemed to me they were much happier. They all said that at the end of the show — but then they went right back to their giant house and their separate lives and it seemed that nothing had changed.
Janet, yes — good taste and snobbery is not at all the same thing, and I think that’s part of what the snobbish Regency aristocrats thought about the nouveau riche.
I remember watching one of those shows where a family agreed to live a pioneer style life for a certain length of time in a small cabin in the wilderness, being self-sufficient etc. That life, where they had to work together and talk and be with each other brought them closer and it seemed to me they were much happier. They all said that at the end of the show — but then they went right back to their giant house and their separate lives and it seemed that nothing had changed.
Janet, yes — good taste and snobbery is not at all the same thing, and I think that’s part of what the snobbish Regency aristocrats thought about the nouveau riche.
I remember watching one of those shows where a family agreed to live a pioneer style life for a certain length of time in a small cabin in the wilderness, being self-sufficient etc. That life, where they had to work together and talk and be with each other brought them closer and it seemed to me they were much happier. They all said that at the end of the show — but then they went right back to their giant house and their separate lives and it seemed that nothing had changed.
Janet, yes — good taste and snobbery is not at all the same thing, and I think that’s part of what the snobbish Regency aristocrats thought about the nouveau riche.
I remember watching one of those shows where a family agreed to live a pioneer style life for a certain length of time in a small cabin in the wilderness, being self-sufficient etc. That life, where they had to work together and talk and be with each other brought them closer and it seemed to me they were much happier. They all said that at the end of the show — but then they went right back to their giant house and their separate lives and it seemed that nothing had changed.
Janet, yes — good taste and snobbery is not at all the same thing, and I think that’s part of what the snobbish Regency aristocrats thought about the nouveau riche.
I remember watching one of those shows where a family agreed to live a pioneer style life for a certain length of time in a small cabin in the wilderness, being self-sufficient etc. That life, where they had to work together and talk and be with each other brought them closer and it seemed to me they were much happier. They all said that at the end of the show — but then they went right back to their giant house and their separate lives and it seemed that nothing had changed.
Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty are my two favorite tv snobs! Hilarity always ensued when those two were around.
Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty are my two favorite tv snobs! Hilarity always ensued when those two were around.
Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty are my two favorite tv snobs! Hilarity always ensued when those two were around.
Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty are my two favorite tv snobs! Hilarity always ensued when those two were around.
Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty are my two favorite tv snobs! Hilarity always ensued when those two were around.
I am somewhat an intellectual snob, but I try hard not to be!
And I talk a lot — witness my frequently long posts here. I wonder if Sally Jersey was uncomfortable in society. She could never have admitted to this; perhaps that is why she talked so much! (A frequent modern failing of the socially uncomfortable.)
I am somewhat an intellectual snob, but I try hard not to be!
And I talk a lot — witness my frequently long posts here. I wonder if Sally Jersey was uncomfortable in society. She could never have admitted to this; perhaps that is why she talked so much! (A frequent modern failing of the socially uncomfortable.)
I am somewhat an intellectual snob, but I try hard not to be!
And I talk a lot — witness my frequently long posts here. I wonder if Sally Jersey was uncomfortable in society. She could never have admitted to this; perhaps that is why she talked so much! (A frequent modern failing of the socially uncomfortable.)
I am somewhat an intellectual snob, but I try hard not to be!
And I talk a lot — witness my frequently long posts here. I wonder if Sally Jersey was uncomfortable in society. She could never have admitted to this; perhaps that is why she talked so much! (A frequent modern failing of the socially uncomfortable.)
I am somewhat an intellectual snob, but I try hard not to be!
And I talk a lot — witness my frequently long posts here. I wonder if Sally Jersey was uncomfortable in society. She could never have admitted to this; perhaps that is why she talked so much! (A frequent modern failing of the socially uncomfortable.)
What meaning did Thackery give to his Book of Snobs in 1848? I thought that was where the definition of looking down one’s nose at others originated. Did he write using the definition of 1838?
Interesting.
What meaning did Thackery give to his Book of Snobs in 1848? I thought that was where the definition of looking down one’s nose at others originated. Did he write using the definition of 1838?
Interesting.
What meaning did Thackery give to his Book of Snobs in 1848? I thought that was where the definition of looking down one’s nose at others originated. Did he write using the definition of 1838?
Interesting.
What meaning did Thackery give to his Book of Snobs in 1848? I thought that was where the definition of looking down one’s nose at others originated. Did he write using the definition of 1838?
Interesting.
What meaning did Thackery give to his Book of Snobs in 1848? I thought that was where the definition of looking down one’s nose at others originated. Did he write using the definition of 1838?
Interesting.
grammar. I am a snob about grammar, especially the subjunctive tense, which is rarely used correctly. But I am old and inherited this from my father.
grammar. I am a snob about grammar, especially the subjunctive tense, which is rarely used correctly. But I am old and inherited this from my father.
grammar. I am a snob about grammar, especially the subjunctive tense, which is rarely used correctly. But I am old and inherited this from my father.
grammar. I am a snob about grammar, especially the subjunctive tense, which is rarely used correctly. But I am old and inherited this from my father.
grammar. I am a snob about grammar, especially the subjunctive tense, which is rarely used correctly. But I am old and inherited this from my father.
I was totally wrong about the original meanings of snob! And I confess to being a food snob, refusing to eat fast food like McDonald’s and processed foods like mac & cheese.
I was totally wrong about the original meanings of snob! And I confess to being a food snob, refusing to eat fast food like McDonald’s and processed foods like mac & cheese.
I was totally wrong about the original meanings of snob! And I confess to being a food snob, refusing to eat fast food like McDonald’s and processed foods like mac & cheese.
I was totally wrong about the original meanings of snob! And I confess to being a food snob, refusing to eat fast food like McDonald’s and processed foods like mac & cheese.
I was totally wrong about the original meanings of snob! And I confess to being a food snob, refusing to eat fast food like McDonald’s and processed foods like mac & cheese.
What a fascinating article! And I love the portrait of the Bucket family. Candlelight dinners indeed. My only current snobbery concerns beer. I definitely have my likes and dislikes but I don’t make a big deal about it.
What a fascinating article! And I love the portrait of the Bucket family. Candlelight dinners indeed. My only current snobbery concerns beer. I definitely have my likes and dislikes but I don’t make a big deal about it.
What a fascinating article! And I love the portrait of the Bucket family. Candlelight dinners indeed. My only current snobbery concerns beer. I definitely have my likes and dislikes but I don’t make a big deal about it.
What a fascinating article! And I love the portrait of the Bucket family. Candlelight dinners indeed. My only current snobbery concerns beer. I definitely have my likes and dislikes but I don’t make a big deal about it.
What a fascinating article! And I love the portrait of the Bucket family. Candlelight dinners indeed. My only current snobbery concerns beer. I definitely have my likes and dislikes but I don’t make a big deal about it.
Thanks so much for the terrific article. I think that one of the most interesting things abut English is words do evolve.
I am sad to say that in my country, the anger between people has gotten ridiculous. There are vaccine snobs….and anti – vaccine snobs. There are college snobs…my son is going east and that is automatically better. There are music snobs….anyone who likes bluegrass music has no taste. Only the classics are true music.
Gee, if I did not know better I would believe our words are evolving and our humans are not.
Thanks again for such an interesting post. And I am a reading snob….I only read things that are really good.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thanks so much for the terrific article. I think that one of the most interesting things abut English is words do evolve.
I am sad to say that in my country, the anger between people has gotten ridiculous. There are vaccine snobs….and anti – vaccine snobs. There are college snobs…my son is going east and that is automatically better. There are music snobs….anyone who likes bluegrass music has no taste. Only the classics are true music.
Gee, if I did not know better I would believe our words are evolving and our humans are not.
Thanks again for such an interesting post. And I am a reading snob….I only read things that are really good.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thanks so much for the terrific article. I think that one of the most interesting things abut English is words do evolve.
I am sad to say that in my country, the anger between people has gotten ridiculous. There are vaccine snobs….and anti – vaccine snobs. There are college snobs…my son is going east and that is automatically better. There are music snobs….anyone who likes bluegrass music has no taste. Only the classics are true music.
Gee, if I did not know better I would believe our words are evolving and our humans are not.
Thanks again for such an interesting post. And I am a reading snob….I only read things that are really good.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thanks so much for the terrific article. I think that one of the most interesting things abut English is words do evolve.
I am sad to say that in my country, the anger between people has gotten ridiculous. There are vaccine snobs….and anti – vaccine snobs. There are college snobs…my son is going east and that is automatically better. There are music snobs….anyone who likes bluegrass music has no taste. Only the classics are true music.
Gee, if I did not know better I would believe our words are evolving and our humans are not.
Thanks again for such an interesting post. And I am a reading snob….I only read things that are really good.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thanks so much for the terrific article. I think that one of the most interesting things abut English is words do evolve.
I am sad to say that in my country, the anger between people has gotten ridiculous. There are vaccine snobs….and anti – vaccine snobs. There are college snobs…my son is going east and that is automatically better. There are music snobs….anyone who likes bluegrass music has no taste. Only the classics are true music.
Gee, if I did not know better I would believe our words are evolving and our humans are not.
Thanks again for such an interesting post. And I am a reading snob….I only read things that are really good.
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Thanks so much for the added information, Anne. It sounds like an entertaining show.
Thanks so much for the added information, Anne. It sounds like an entertaining show.
Thanks so much for the added information, Anne. It sounds like an entertaining show.
Thanks so much for the added information, Anne. It sounds like an entertaining show.
Thanks so much for the added information, Anne. It sounds like an entertaining show.
I did actually know the first definition, the shoemaker. It was still in use in Scotland when i was a child. My mother would say things like, “These shoes need to go to the snobs.” But when I checked, I couldn’t find it in my Scots dictionary, so it must have been a hang-over from the original meaning. Isn’t language fascinating?
I did actually know the first definition, the shoemaker. It was still in use in Scotland when i was a child. My mother would say things like, “These shoes need to go to the snobs.” But when I checked, I couldn’t find it in my Scots dictionary, so it must have been a hang-over from the original meaning. Isn’t language fascinating?
I did actually know the first definition, the shoemaker. It was still in use in Scotland when i was a child. My mother would say things like, “These shoes need to go to the snobs.” But when I checked, I couldn’t find it in my Scots dictionary, so it must have been a hang-over from the original meaning. Isn’t language fascinating?
I did actually know the first definition, the shoemaker. It was still in use in Scotland when i was a child. My mother would say things like, “These shoes need to go to the snobs.” But when I checked, I couldn’t find it in my Scots dictionary, so it must have been a hang-over from the original meaning. Isn’t language fascinating?
I did actually know the first definition, the shoemaker. It was still in use in Scotland when i was a child. My mother would say things like, “These shoes need to go to the snobs.” But when I checked, I couldn’t find it in my Scots dictionary, so it must have been a hang-over from the original meaning. Isn’t language fascinating?
Linda, I didn’t think of Basil Fawlty, but yes, he was so beautifully, nakedly snobbish, wasn’t he? Thanks for the reminder.
Linda, I didn’t think of Basil Fawlty, but yes, he was so beautifully, nakedly snobbish, wasn’t he? Thanks for the reminder.
Linda, I didn’t think of Basil Fawlty, but yes, he was so beautifully, nakedly snobbish, wasn’t he? Thanks for the reminder.
Linda, I didn’t think of Basil Fawlty, but yes, he was so beautifully, nakedly snobbish, wasn’t he? Thanks for the reminder.
Linda, I didn’t think of Basil Fawlty, but yes, he was so beautifully, nakedly snobbish, wasn’t he? Thanks for the reminder.
Sue, I think we all have our areas of snobbery. As for Sally Jersey, I knew someone like her who really did talk non-stop. I don’t think it was social awkwardness, but it might have been. I do recall that though she was quite a nice person, she was exhausting to be with.
Sue, I think we all have our areas of snobbery. As for Sally Jersey, I knew someone like her who really did talk non-stop. I don’t think it was social awkwardness, but it might have been. I do recall that though she was quite a nice person, she was exhausting to be with.
Sue, I think we all have our areas of snobbery. As for Sally Jersey, I knew someone like her who really did talk non-stop. I don’t think it was social awkwardness, but it might have been. I do recall that though she was quite a nice person, she was exhausting to be with.
Sue, I think we all have our areas of snobbery. As for Sally Jersey, I knew someone like her who really did talk non-stop. I don’t think it was social awkwardness, but it might have been. I do recall that though she was quite a nice person, she was exhausting to be with.
Sue, I think we all have our areas of snobbery. As for Sally Jersey, I knew someone like her who really did talk non-stop. I don’t think it was social awkwardness, but it might have been. I do recall that though she was quite a nice person, she was exhausting to be with.
I don’t know, Nancy — I haven’t read Thackeray’s Book of Snobs. The dates I gave were from the OED definitions. You can read Thackeray’s book here: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2686
I don’t know, Nancy — I haven’t read Thackeray’s Book of Snobs. The dates I gave were from the OED definitions. You can read Thackeray’s book here: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2686
I don’t know, Nancy — I haven’t read Thackeray’s Book of Snobs. The dates I gave were from the OED definitions. You can read Thackeray’s book here: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2686
I don’t know, Nancy — I haven’t read Thackeray’s Book of Snobs. The dates I gave were from the OED definitions. You can read Thackeray’s book here: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2686
I don’t know, Nancy — I haven’t read Thackeray’s Book of Snobs. The dates I gave were from the OED definitions. You can read Thackeray’s book here: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2686
Linnea, in general my grammar is good, but I confess, I am one of those who wobble at the subjunctive tense. I was educated in the era when grammar was thrown out in schools — the belief being that people absorbed it naturally — or something. The only grammar I learned was in the few years of French I studied, and so whenever I think of the subjunctive, I have to think of a French example and translate it into English.
Throwing out the teaching of grammar was both wrong and short-sighted. We need a language to talk about language — and that’s grammar. I have a friend who often asks me about some matter of grammar and it’s so hard for her as she doesn’t even know how to label the query or what the term is to look up.
The grammar mistake that drives me bonkers — and I have seen it in so many traditionally published books recently — books that have been professionally copyedited — is the confusion of I and me, in sentences like: She welcomed John and I to her home. I tell the book, take out John and see how that sounds. It’s very Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Linnea, in general my grammar is good, but I confess, I am one of those who wobble at the subjunctive tense. I was educated in the era when grammar was thrown out in schools — the belief being that people absorbed it naturally — or something. The only grammar I learned was in the few years of French I studied, and so whenever I think of the subjunctive, I have to think of a French example and translate it into English.
Throwing out the teaching of grammar was both wrong and short-sighted. We need a language to talk about language — and that’s grammar. I have a friend who often asks me about some matter of grammar and it’s so hard for her as she doesn’t even know how to label the query or what the term is to look up.
The grammar mistake that drives me bonkers — and I have seen it in so many traditionally published books recently — books that have been professionally copyedited — is the confusion of I and me, in sentences like: She welcomed John and I to her home. I tell the book, take out John and see how that sounds. It’s very Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Linnea, in general my grammar is good, but I confess, I am one of those who wobble at the subjunctive tense. I was educated in the era when grammar was thrown out in schools — the belief being that people absorbed it naturally — or something. The only grammar I learned was in the few years of French I studied, and so whenever I think of the subjunctive, I have to think of a French example and translate it into English.
Throwing out the teaching of grammar was both wrong and short-sighted. We need a language to talk about language — and that’s grammar. I have a friend who often asks me about some matter of grammar and it’s so hard for her as she doesn’t even know how to label the query or what the term is to look up.
The grammar mistake that drives me bonkers — and I have seen it in so many traditionally published books recently — books that have been professionally copyedited — is the confusion of I and me, in sentences like: She welcomed John and I to her home. I tell the book, take out John and see how that sounds. It’s very Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Linnea, in general my grammar is good, but I confess, I am one of those who wobble at the subjunctive tense. I was educated in the era when grammar was thrown out in schools — the belief being that people absorbed it naturally — or something. The only grammar I learned was in the few years of French I studied, and so whenever I think of the subjunctive, I have to think of a French example and translate it into English.
Throwing out the teaching of grammar was both wrong and short-sighted. We need a language to talk about language — and that’s grammar. I have a friend who often asks me about some matter of grammar and it’s so hard for her as she doesn’t even know how to label the query or what the term is to look up.
The grammar mistake that drives me bonkers — and I have seen it in so many traditionally published books recently — books that have been professionally copyedited — is the confusion of I and me, in sentences like: She welcomed John and I to her home. I tell the book, take out John and see how that sounds. It’s very Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Linnea, in general my grammar is good, but I confess, I am one of those who wobble at the subjunctive tense. I was educated in the era when grammar was thrown out in schools — the belief being that people absorbed it naturally — or something. The only grammar I learned was in the few years of French I studied, and so whenever I think of the subjunctive, I have to think of a French example and translate it into English.
Throwing out the teaching of grammar was both wrong and short-sighted. We need a language to talk about language — and that’s grammar. I have a friend who often asks me about some matter of grammar and it’s so hard for her as she doesn’t even know how to label the query or what the term is to look up.
The grammar mistake that drives me bonkers — and I have seen it in so many traditionally published books recently — books that have been professionally copyedited — is the confusion of I and me, in sentences like: She welcomed John and I to her home. I tell the book, take out John and see how that sounds. It’s very Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Karin, I’ll join you in both of those. I’m not a fan of that kind of fast food either, though I do enjoy real hamburgers and fish and chips.
Karin, I’ll join you in both of those. I’m not a fan of that kind of fast food either, though I do enjoy real hamburgers and fish and chips.
Karin, I’ll join you in both of those. I’m not a fan of that kind of fast food either, though I do enjoy real hamburgers and fish and chips.
Karin, I’ll join you in both of those. I’m not a fan of that kind of fast food either, though I do enjoy real hamburgers and fish and chips.
Karin, I’ll join you in both of those. I’m not a fan of that kind of fast food either, though I do enjoy real hamburgers and fish and chips.
Pat, when I was searching for images to use in this post, that Hyacinth Bucket one popped up, otherwise I might not have thought of her at all. I think we all have our small snobberies.
Pat, when I was searching for images to use in this post, that Hyacinth Bucket one popped up, otherwise I might not have thought of her at all. I think we all have our small snobberies.
Pat, when I was searching for images to use in this post, that Hyacinth Bucket one popped up, otherwise I might not have thought of her at all. I think we all have our small snobberies.
Pat, when I was searching for images to use in this post, that Hyacinth Bucket one popped up, otherwise I might not have thought of her at all. I think we all have our small snobberies.
Pat, when I was searching for images to use in this post, that Hyacinth Bucket one popped up, otherwise I might not have thought of her at all. I think we all have our small snobberies.
Annette, I love your reading snobbery — as long as “Books that are really good” means books that you enjoy.
I am constantly being patronized because I write romance, which apparently everyone knows is pornographic rubbish and not worth reading. Usually this is from people who haven’t read any romance, let alone any of my books.
Annette, I love your reading snobbery — as long as “Books that are really good” means books that you enjoy.
I am constantly being patronized because I write romance, which apparently everyone knows is pornographic rubbish and not worth reading. Usually this is from people who haven’t read any romance, let alone any of my books.
Annette, I love your reading snobbery — as long as “Books that are really good” means books that you enjoy.
I am constantly being patronized because I write romance, which apparently everyone knows is pornographic rubbish and not worth reading. Usually this is from people who haven’t read any romance, let alone any of my books.
Annette, I love your reading snobbery — as long as “Books that are really good” means books that you enjoy.
I am constantly being patronized because I write romance, which apparently everyone knows is pornographic rubbish and not worth reading. Usually this is from people who haven’t read any romance, let alone any of my books.
Annette, I love your reading snobbery — as long as “Books that are really good” means books that you enjoy.
I am constantly being patronized because I write romance, which apparently everyone knows is pornographic rubbish and not worth reading. Usually this is from people who haven’t read any romance, let alone any of my books.
How interesting, Joanna — I’d never heard of it but I’m glad you had. Funny that it’s disappeared from your Scots dictionary. I wonder whether it was a regional thing.
Thanks for visiting. Quite a few of the wenchly readers also visit the Liberta blog.
How interesting, Joanna — I’d never heard of it but I’m glad you had. Funny that it’s disappeared from your Scots dictionary. I wonder whether it was a regional thing.
Thanks for visiting. Quite a few of the wenchly readers also visit the Liberta blog.
How interesting, Joanna — I’d never heard of it but I’m glad you had. Funny that it’s disappeared from your Scots dictionary. I wonder whether it was a regional thing.
Thanks for visiting. Quite a few of the wenchly readers also visit the Liberta blog.
How interesting, Joanna — I’d never heard of it but I’m glad you had. Funny that it’s disappeared from your Scots dictionary. I wonder whether it was a regional thing.
Thanks for visiting. Quite a few of the wenchly readers also visit the Liberta blog.
How interesting, Joanna — I’d never heard of it but I’m glad you had. Funny that it’s disappeared from your Scots dictionary. I wonder whether it was a regional thing.
Thanks for visiting. Quite a few of the wenchly readers also visit the Liberta blog.
And now I’m thinking of the fact that the word patronize has such disparate meanings. English is such a funny language!
And now I’m thinking of the fact that the word patronize has such disparate meanings. English is such a funny language!
And now I’m thinking of the fact that the word patronize has such disparate meanings. English is such a funny language!
And now I’m thinking of the fact that the word patronize has such disparate meanings. English is such a funny language!
And now I’m thinking of the fact that the word patronize has such disparate meanings. English is such a funny language!
Fascinating! I love words, their meanings, and their origins. As for what I’m a snob about, as a knitter, I’m a yarn snob; I want to knit with natural fibers, rather than man-made.
Fascinating! I love words, their meanings, and their origins. As for what I’m a snob about, as a knitter, I’m a yarn snob; I want to knit with natural fibers, rather than man-made.
Fascinating! I love words, their meanings, and their origins. As for what I’m a snob about, as a knitter, I’m a yarn snob; I want to knit with natural fibers, rather than man-made.
Fascinating! I love words, their meanings, and their origins. As for what I’m a snob about, as a knitter, I’m a yarn snob; I want to knit with natural fibers, rather than man-made.
Fascinating! I love words, their meanings, and their origins. As for what I’m a snob about, as a knitter, I’m a yarn snob; I want to knit with natural fibers, rather than man-made.
I had the same thought, Kareni – if Anne had been “patronized” in some earlier centuries, she would be able to only ever drink whatever coffee she pleased, while writing romances for a most discerning supporter!
I had the same thought, Kareni – if Anne had been “patronized” in some earlier centuries, she would be able to only ever drink whatever coffee she pleased, while writing romances for a most discerning supporter!
I had the same thought, Kareni – if Anne had been “patronized” in some earlier centuries, she would be able to only ever drink whatever coffee she pleased, while writing romances for a most discerning supporter!
I had the same thought, Kareni – if Anne had been “patronized” in some earlier centuries, she would be able to only ever drink whatever coffee she pleased, while writing romances for a most discerning supporter!
I had the same thought, Kareni – if Anne had been “patronized” in some earlier centuries, she would be able to only ever drink whatever coffee she pleased, while writing romances for a most discerning supporter!
As a word snob, this post pleased me immensely (a favorite word from the 17th century). I try valiantly to refrain from correcting those who misuse I and me; carry and bring; lie and lay; etc. And while it might label me not only a snob but also an old fuddy duddy (must find the origin of that!), I do think words matter!
I am also a barbecue snob, which I trace to my North Carolina roots!
As a word snob, this post pleased me immensely (a favorite word from the 17th century). I try valiantly to refrain from correcting those who misuse I and me; carry and bring; lie and lay; etc. And while it might label me not only a snob but also an old fuddy duddy (must find the origin of that!), I do think words matter!
I am also a barbecue snob, which I trace to my North Carolina roots!
As a word snob, this post pleased me immensely (a favorite word from the 17th century). I try valiantly to refrain from correcting those who misuse I and me; carry and bring; lie and lay; etc. And while it might label me not only a snob but also an old fuddy duddy (must find the origin of that!), I do think words matter!
I am also a barbecue snob, which I trace to my North Carolina roots!
As a word snob, this post pleased me immensely (a favorite word from the 17th century). I try valiantly to refrain from correcting those who misuse I and me; carry and bring; lie and lay; etc. And while it might label me not only a snob but also an old fuddy duddy (must find the origin of that!), I do think words matter!
I am also a barbecue snob, which I trace to my North Carolina roots!
As a word snob, this post pleased me immensely (a favorite word from the 17th century). I try valiantly to refrain from correcting those who misuse I and me; carry and bring; lie and lay; etc. And while it might label me not only a snob but also an old fuddy duddy (must find the origin of that!), I do think words matter!
I am also a barbecue snob, which I trace to my North Carolina roots!
Constance, I only grump at the books, not people. I mutter, “Me not I — what kind of copyeditor did you have!” *g* And yes, lie and lay is another one I grump at in books. As for fuddy duddy, here’s what the OED says:
Etymology: Origin unknown.
slang. An old-fashioned person; an ineffectual old fogy.
[1899 E. W. Prevost Dickinson’s Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (new ed.) 106/2 Duddy fuddiel, a ragged fellow.]
1904 in H. Wentworth Amer. Dial. Dict. (1944) 236/2.
I’m not quite sure what a barbecue snob involves but I’d love to be educated — preferably in person. *g* I meant to try some Texas barbecue when I was there some years ago, but didn’t get the chance.
Constance, I only grump at the books, not people. I mutter, “Me not I — what kind of copyeditor did you have!” *g* And yes, lie and lay is another one I grump at in books. As for fuddy duddy, here’s what the OED says:
Etymology: Origin unknown.
slang. An old-fashioned person; an ineffectual old fogy.
[1899 E. W. Prevost Dickinson’s Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (new ed.) 106/2 Duddy fuddiel, a ragged fellow.]
1904 in H. Wentworth Amer. Dial. Dict. (1944) 236/2.
I’m not quite sure what a barbecue snob involves but I’d love to be educated — preferably in person. *g* I meant to try some Texas barbecue when I was there some years ago, but didn’t get the chance.
Constance, I only grump at the books, not people. I mutter, “Me not I — what kind of copyeditor did you have!” *g* And yes, lie and lay is another one I grump at in books. As for fuddy duddy, here’s what the OED says:
Etymology: Origin unknown.
slang. An old-fashioned person; an ineffectual old fogy.
[1899 E. W. Prevost Dickinson’s Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (new ed.) 106/2 Duddy fuddiel, a ragged fellow.]
1904 in H. Wentworth Amer. Dial. Dict. (1944) 236/2.
I’m not quite sure what a barbecue snob involves but I’d love to be educated — preferably in person. *g* I meant to try some Texas barbecue when I was there some years ago, but didn’t get the chance.
Constance, I only grump at the books, not people. I mutter, “Me not I — what kind of copyeditor did you have!” *g* And yes, lie and lay is another one I grump at in books. As for fuddy duddy, here’s what the OED says:
Etymology: Origin unknown.
slang. An old-fashioned person; an ineffectual old fogy.
[1899 E. W. Prevost Dickinson’s Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (new ed.) 106/2 Duddy fuddiel, a ragged fellow.]
1904 in H. Wentworth Amer. Dial. Dict. (1944) 236/2.
I’m not quite sure what a barbecue snob involves but I’d love to be educated — preferably in person. *g* I meant to try some Texas barbecue when I was there some years ago, but didn’t get the chance.
Constance, I only grump at the books, not people. I mutter, “Me not I — what kind of copyeditor did you have!” *g* And yes, lie and lay is another one I grump at in books. As for fuddy duddy, here’s what the OED says:
Etymology: Origin unknown.
slang. An old-fashioned person; an ineffectual old fogy.
[1899 E. W. Prevost Dickinson’s Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (new ed.) 106/2 Duddy fuddiel, a ragged fellow.]
1904 in H. Wentworth Amer. Dial. Dict. (1944) 236/2.
I’m not quite sure what a barbecue snob involves but I’d love to be educated — preferably in person. *g* I meant to try some Texas barbecue when I was there some years ago, but didn’t get the chance.
I’m not a knitter, but my mother was and she was also a yarn snob. She used to knit baby bootees and give them away, and I remember someone gave her some acrylic yarn once. She thanked them nicely, and when they’d gone she gave it to me to make into pompoms for the cat.
I’m not a knitter, but my mother was and she was also a yarn snob. She used to knit baby bootees and give them away, and I remember someone gave her some acrylic yarn once. She thanked them nicely, and when they’d gone she gave it to me to make into pompoms for the cat.
I’m not a knitter, but my mother was and she was also a yarn snob. She used to knit baby bootees and give them away, and I remember someone gave her some acrylic yarn once. She thanked them nicely, and when they’d gone she gave it to me to make into pompoms for the cat.
I’m not a knitter, but my mother was and she was also a yarn snob. She used to knit baby bootees and give them away, and I remember someone gave her some acrylic yarn once. She thanked them nicely, and when they’d gone she gave it to me to make into pompoms for the cat.
I’m not a knitter, but my mother was and she was also a yarn snob. She used to knit baby bootees and give them away, and I remember someone gave her some acrylic yarn once. She thanked them nicely, and when they’d gone she gave it to me to make into pompoms for the cat.
I chuckled at the ‘patronize’ comments — yes, I need a better word for ‘talk down to in a superior and condescending manner’. And perhaps my publisher could be called my patron these days — and I provide my own coffee. *g*
I chuckled at the ‘patronize’ comments — yes, I need a better word for ‘talk down to in a superior and condescending manner’. And perhaps my publisher could be called my patron these days — and I provide my own coffee. *g*
I chuckled at the ‘patronize’ comments — yes, I need a better word for ‘talk down to in a superior and condescending manner’. And perhaps my publisher could be called my patron these days — and I provide my own coffee. *g*
I chuckled at the ‘patronize’ comments — yes, I need a better word for ‘talk down to in a superior and condescending manner’. And perhaps my publisher could be called my patron these days — and I provide my own coffee. *g*
I chuckled at the ‘patronize’ comments — yes, I need a better word for ‘talk down to in a superior and condescending manner’. And perhaps my publisher could be called my patron these days — and I provide my own coffee. *g*
What a delightful post, Anne, and what a delightful conversation it inspired! I, too, am a grammar snob, but I’m also a chocolate snob. I grew up loving Hershey’s Kisses and then made the mistake of spending time in Europe. My wallet was much happier when I was less discriminating. And it was so nice to see the picture of Hyacinth and company and be temporarily taken back to the many happy hours I spent smiling at her affectations!
What a delightful post, Anne, and what a delightful conversation it inspired! I, too, am a grammar snob, but I’m also a chocolate snob. I grew up loving Hershey’s Kisses and then made the mistake of spending time in Europe. My wallet was much happier when I was less discriminating. And it was so nice to see the picture of Hyacinth and company and be temporarily taken back to the many happy hours I spent smiling at her affectations!
What a delightful post, Anne, and what a delightful conversation it inspired! I, too, am a grammar snob, but I’m also a chocolate snob. I grew up loving Hershey’s Kisses and then made the mistake of spending time in Europe. My wallet was much happier when I was less discriminating. And it was so nice to see the picture of Hyacinth and company and be temporarily taken back to the many happy hours I spent smiling at her affectations!
What a delightful post, Anne, and what a delightful conversation it inspired! I, too, am a grammar snob, but I’m also a chocolate snob. I grew up loving Hershey’s Kisses and then made the mistake of spending time in Europe. My wallet was much happier when I was less discriminating. And it was so nice to see the picture of Hyacinth and company and be temporarily taken back to the many happy hours I spent smiling at her affectations!
What a delightful post, Anne, and what a delightful conversation it inspired! I, too, am a grammar snob, but I’m also a chocolate snob. I grew up loving Hershey’s Kisses and then made the mistake of spending time in Europe. My wallet was much happier when I was less discriminating. And it was so nice to see the picture of Hyacinth and company and be temporarily taken back to the many happy hours I spent smiling at her affectations!
Thanks, Margaret. I really love the conversations that crop up here in the comment stream.
As for chocolate, I think there’s a regional taste thing with chocolate. I’ve never had Hershey kisses, but I have tried Hershey bars and wasn’t particularly enamored. But like most things, I might have a preference for some kinds of chocolate, but I doubt I’d ever turn any sort of chocolate down. *g*
Thanks, Margaret. I really love the conversations that crop up here in the comment stream.
As for chocolate, I think there’s a regional taste thing with chocolate. I’ve never had Hershey kisses, but I have tried Hershey bars and wasn’t particularly enamored. But like most things, I might have a preference for some kinds of chocolate, but I doubt I’d ever turn any sort of chocolate down. *g*
Thanks, Margaret. I really love the conversations that crop up here in the comment stream.
As for chocolate, I think there’s a regional taste thing with chocolate. I’ve never had Hershey kisses, but I have tried Hershey bars and wasn’t particularly enamored. But like most things, I might have a preference for some kinds of chocolate, but I doubt I’d ever turn any sort of chocolate down. *g*
Thanks, Margaret. I really love the conversations that crop up here in the comment stream.
As for chocolate, I think there’s a regional taste thing with chocolate. I’ve never had Hershey kisses, but I have tried Hershey bars and wasn’t particularly enamored. But like most things, I might have a preference for some kinds of chocolate, but I doubt I’d ever turn any sort of chocolate down. *g*
Thanks, Margaret. I really love the conversations that crop up here in the comment stream.
As for chocolate, I think there’s a regional taste thing with chocolate. I’ve never had Hershey kisses, but I have tried Hershey bars and wasn’t particularly enamored. But like most things, I might have a preference for some kinds of chocolate, but I doubt I’d ever turn any sort of chocolate down. *g*
What a fascinating history. I have to admit my friends call me a grammar snob — or if I’m really annoying, the grammar Nazi. I don’t mind reading this in dialogue: “I could of killed him!” Because we all do slur it in speech. But in a post or blog? You’re off my list, pal.😅
What a fascinating history. I have to admit my friends call me a grammar snob — or if I’m really annoying, the grammar Nazi. I don’t mind reading this in dialogue: “I could of killed him!” Because we all do slur it in speech. But in a post or blog? You’re off my list, pal.😅
What a fascinating history. I have to admit my friends call me a grammar snob — or if I’m really annoying, the grammar Nazi. I don’t mind reading this in dialogue: “I could of killed him!” Because we all do slur it in speech. But in a post or blog? You’re off my list, pal.😅
What a fascinating history. I have to admit my friends call me a grammar snob — or if I’m really annoying, the grammar Nazi. I don’t mind reading this in dialogue: “I could of killed him!” Because we all do slur it in speech. But in a post or blog? You’re off my list, pal.😅
What a fascinating history. I have to admit my friends call me a grammar snob — or if I’m really annoying, the grammar Nazi. I don’t mind reading this in dialogue: “I could of killed him!” Because we all do slur it in speech. But in a post or blog? You’re off my list, pal.😅
Eugenia, I still think there’s no excuse for “I could of killed him!” Yes, we don’t usually pronounce the ‘have’ part of that in dialogue, but it should be written “I could’ve killed him!” Thanks for joining in the discussion. I fear we could have an endless ‘grammar pet peeves’ discussion. *g*
Eugenia, I still think there’s no excuse for “I could of killed him!” Yes, we don’t usually pronounce the ‘have’ part of that in dialogue, but it should be written “I could’ve killed him!” Thanks for joining in the discussion. I fear we could have an endless ‘grammar pet peeves’ discussion. *g*
Eugenia, I still think there’s no excuse for “I could of killed him!” Yes, we don’t usually pronounce the ‘have’ part of that in dialogue, but it should be written “I could’ve killed him!” Thanks for joining in the discussion. I fear we could have an endless ‘grammar pet peeves’ discussion. *g*
Eugenia, I still think there’s no excuse for “I could of killed him!” Yes, we don’t usually pronounce the ‘have’ part of that in dialogue, but it should be written “I could’ve killed him!” Thanks for joining in the discussion. I fear we could have an endless ‘grammar pet peeves’ discussion. *g*
Eugenia, I still think there’s no excuse for “I could of killed him!” Yes, we don’t usually pronounce the ‘have’ part of that in dialogue, but it should be written “I could’ve killed him!” Thanks for joining in the discussion. I fear we could have an endless ‘grammar pet peeves’ discussion. *g*