Politically incorrect

[jwinmtgy_at_aol_com]

I was chatting with one of your countrymen last week and made reference to 'mother England'. I was referring to being able to trace my geneology back to the 1600s. The person I was speaking with was very offended and suggested if I ever to come to Scotland (which I will be in March) to never use that phrase. Please advise, is 'mother England' politically incorrect?

[celticjack]

Lad:

In the "Celtic Nations" (Scotland, Ireland, Wales), the term "Mother" is often used t' refer t' England, but in conjunction with a less pleasant word beginnin' with "F"! Best not t' use th' phrase "Mother England" north of th' Tweed or west of Chester!

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celticjack

[dferg]

Umm, Jack, that's no lad!!

Well, to answer your question, some people find any gender specific phrasing un PC, so mother would be out. More specifically, Scots, Irish and Welsh are sick of being refered to as English, which we are not. te English are the fourth nationin the UK, too many "Brittish" institution see English a synonymous with Brittish, and it rankles.

that might be what he meant? A lot of people outside the UK just don't realise that though, so you will look all the more clued up because you do!

[celticjack]

Pardon my incivility, Your Eminence...guess it's me Ulster background expressin' itself!

*This is an official statement from the Office of the Vice Minister

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celticjack

[jwinmtgy_at_aol_com]

David - you remembered!
Jack, I am not a lad and it would be nice to be referred to as a lass because over here I'm a 'chick'.
I suppose "Mother" England is not very PC because it restricts the possibility of England being a 'Father'. We started naming hurricanes after men a few years ago but that's another story. Jack, I think it would be in my best interest not to discuss England at all while I'm in Scotland. What topics do you all like to discuss when it comes to politics?

[celticjack]

Apologies for th' gender-presumption! Simply stated, many people of th' UK do not feel any affection for England (in fact, quite th' contrary), particularly in areas of Wales & Scotland. Might be wise not t' dwell on politics at all--it IS a flashpoint for many Scots and Welsh citizens (my family, for example!)--until you know th' individuals well. Talk about th' weather, th' beer...approach th' politics carefully..you'll either get th' cold shoulder or a lecture!

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celticjack
Ar do slainte!

If you are truly interested in Scottish politics you could do worse than visit the Scottish Politics website at http://www.alba.org.uk / where you will find plenty of information and links to other related site and discussion groups.

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The man o' independent mind,
He looks and laughs at a' that.