The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The Top 10: Famous people whose names are sentences
Britney Spears, Stevie Nicks, Karl Marx, Ryan Giggs and Ed Balls didn't even make the Top 10
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.This started with a list compiled by Scott Jordan Harris, drawn to my attention by Damian Counsell. That is where the first three came from.
1. Clive Staples Lewis. Little known incident in one of the Narnia books.
2. Jeremy Irons. Except that he usually looks rather crumpled.
3. Tom Waits. The patient singer-songwriter, the one with the voice.
4. Nigel Havers. Thanks to Mrs Gladys Steptoe.
5. Ella Fitzgerald. Very good, Stu Garner.
6. Samuel Pepys. From Stefan Stern. I had just decided that Britney Spears wasn’t really a sentence because she needs to be spearing something, but I let this one through.
7. Theresa May. JP Cherrington reminds me of the time I ended a column “Theresa Might” in the days when a play on her name was original.
8. Julius Caesar. “Yeah, I know: the old ones are the best,” said Geoffrey Mamdani.
9. Rosa Parks. Nominated by Chris Jones.
10. Mike Gapes. The Labour MP for Ilford South posted on Twitter: “You forget me.” Which I hadn’t, actually, as several people had already nominated him.
Stevie Nicks, Karl Marx, Ryan Giggs and Ed Balls (bawls) are all bubbling under the Top 10.
Andy Willetts said that Henrietta Swann Leavitt’s name is a brief conversation, but as I had never heard of the American astronomer I’m afraid she didn’t make it. Rob Warm tried to nominate Walt Disney, as in the answer to the old Scottish question: “What’s the difference between Bing Crosby and Walt Disney?” “Bing sings and Walt Disney.” This was ruled out of order.
Graham Kirby said: “If ever you do Tube stations that are sentences I nominate Turnham Green.” Nicholas Rutland then offered King’s Cross and Mike Mason said Maida Vale. None of which is a full sentence.
Next week: Words that died and were reborn, such as wireless
Coming soon: Euphemisms, in honour of United Airlines’s describing throwing someone off a plane as “re-accommodating” him
The e-book of Listellany: A Miscellany of Very British Top Tens, From Politics to Pop is just £3.79. Your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, in the comments please, or to me on Twitter, or by email to top10@independent.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments