Tory Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell Denies Calling Police "Plebs"

Mirror UK ^ | 24 Sept 2012 | staff

[fella]

"I did not use the words attributed to me": Tory Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell denies calling police "plebs"

MP insists he did not use the politically explosive jibe in Downing Street rant at cops

Beleaguered Tory Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell has flatly denied calling police officers "plebs" during a furious altercation in Downing Street.

The Conservative Party enforcer insisted today that he did not use the politically explosive jibe, despite reports that police logbooks showed he did call officers "plebs" and swore at them repeatedly.

[fella]

A temoest in the British teapot. But what are "Plebs" and why is it OK for the media to say it but not a conseritive politico?

[elcid1970]

Was ist das “plebs”?

[SoftwareEngineer]

You have to understand the British mindset and its EXTREMELY class based (in many ways “caste” based, as the Royals and Aristocracy is for the most part based on birth) society.

In Great Britain (and to a large degree in Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) “pleb” is used as a derogatory term for someone thought of as unsophisticated or uncultured.

Tories are considered an “upper class” party representing the “posh” (another annoying term). So this was seen as “Their Lordships spitting on the servants” kind of episode.

Think of it as another variation of the alleged “47%” scandal

[elcid1970]

I’m guessing the term “pleb” comes from “plebian”. Roman society was divided between patricians & plebians. The insinuation of “commoner” is obvious.

“Posh” on the other hand, is an acronym meaning “Port Outward, Starboard Home”. This referred to first class accomodations on British passenger liners where those who could afford it booked cabins with southern exposures both ways.

Interesting to know that class distinctions are alive & well in the mostly socialistic U.K.

[SoftwareEngineer]

Yeah, you are correct on the origins on the word “Pleb”. However, in ancient Rome, Plebians actually rose to the level of what we would call “upper middle class”. They owned homes etc and were respected.

Today, “pleb” is a very negative term. Almost like the word “servant”

Regarding “posh”, yes that is where the word came from, but now the word is abused beyond belief in the UK. It is used for things that are best described as “tacky” and certainly not “Posh” in its original incarnation

[elcid1970]

Plebians could indeed rise from humble origins, but had no representation in the Roman Senate until the rank of tribune, elected by the plebians, was created; a tribune could block the will of the Senate by announcing “Veto!” (I forbid it!).

Don’t know why, but I have begun viewing episodes of “Keeping up Appearances” on youtube. The outtakes are absolutely hilarious. But there really isn’t anyone like Hyacinth at large in British society, is there? Poor terrified Elizabeth trembling at the approach of that Bucket Woman can be difficult to watch.

;^)