Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WHENEVER PRINCE Philip utters one of those remarks that would have the rest of us hauled before a consciousness-raising committee, it is described as a gaffe.
The word first appeared in Edwardian times, perhaps from the French gaffe, and there are Old English and Scottish instances - all shades of undecorous talk (in French "faire une gaffe" is clear enough, but "fais gaffe!" means watch out, which could cause more trouble on a state visit). It also echoes the early-19th-century blowing the gaff and talking guff; gaff is also a rowdy fair.
As for Indian electricians' views of Prince Philip, these are harder to find - the owner of a nearby tandoori remarks that an electrician friend trades under an English name "so that he gets the business".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments