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questions brothers ask and answer in public?

Winter

Premium Member
I’m a mason with more than 25 years experience. I must say that if someone asked me if I was a travelling man here on the street in England, it would go straight over my head. The stronger meaning here is (respectfully) “Are you a gypsy?”
Everything I know about gypsies in the UK I learned from Brad Pitt's character in Snatch.
 

Chris H

Registered User
A decent portrayal as I remember. They can be pretty tough according to my limited knowledge. Witness heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, The Gypsy King. I don’t think they come much tougher than that!
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I’m a mason with more than 25 years experience. I must say that if someone asked me if I was a travelling man here on the street in England, it would go straight over my head. The stronger meaning here is (respectfully) “Are you a gypsy?”
Or, more appropriately, Romani.
 

Chris H

Registered User
Or, more appropriately, Romani.
Good thought, but I personally wouldn’t risk that. The numbers of Romany / Roma are relatively tiny as far as I know. I looked it up on the UK government stats website.
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Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
First, note that traveller was a joint designation with Gypsy, rather than Gypsy alone, and second, it was 11 years ago. My experience as a legal professional is that I could be subject to discipline for use of the term Gypsy.

See also https://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2019/03/gypsy.html

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gypsy (scroll down)

“Throughout history, the words “Gypsy”, “Tsigane/Zigeuner”, and similar terms, have been used. These words have taken a derogatory connotation in very many languages.” https://www.enar-eu.org/frequently-asked-questions-1167/
 

Chris H

Registered User
That would have been you and Tyson Fury in trouble then. The 2012 stats should be due any day now. Let’s wait and see what’s changed.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
There is a difference between how one describes himself, particularly when they are a showman, and the labels others use.

To the best of my knowledge, Fury has never qualified as a solicitor. It would not be the same standard.

Given his incredible record, I don’t think I will challenge him as to what he calls himself. I don’t wish to find my name next to Austin Theory’s. Even worse, if I weren’t around to read it.
That would have been you and Tyson Fury in trouble then. The 2012 stats should be due any day now. Let’s wait and see what’s changed.
 
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