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Toff
In British English slang, a toff is a stereotype for someone with an aristocratic background or belonging to the landed gentry, particularly someone who exudes an air of superiority. For instance, the Toff, a character from the series of adventure novels by John Creasey, is an upper class crime sleuth who uses a common caricature of a toff – a line drawing with a top hat, monocle, bow-tie and cigarette with a holder – as his calling card. The word "toff" is thought to come from the word "tuft", which was a gold tassel worn by titled undergraduates at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. The Anglo-Saxon word "toforan" has a meaning of "superiority". Ian Kelly's book, ''Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Dandy'', page 159, says it derives from the brown liquid that dripped from an upper class gentleman's nose after taking snuff. Hoorah Henry has a similar meaning. See also * Nobby * Plebs In ancient Rome, the plebeians (also called plebs) were t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
English Culture
The culture of England is defined by the Culture, cultural norms of England and the English people. Owing to England's influential position within the United Kingdom it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate English culture from the culture of the United Kingdom as a whole. However, since Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Saxon times, England has had its own unique culture, apart from Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish culture. Many scientific and technological advancements originated in England, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. England has also played an important role in British film, cinema, English literature, literature, music, art, technology, engineering, democracy, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles, philosophy, music, science, mathematics and sport. Humour, tradition, and good manners are characteristics commonly associated with being English.; The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
