AIBU unreasonable to hate the word posh?

In fact, who are you to judge me or anyone else?

I'd actually prefer it if you didn't judge me, MOnica.

M0nica

I will look out for when you next use the word on GN and judge. Certainly, the main use of it on GN is to put somethin, or someone down.

I will repost what I said upthread.

I have never and will never use posh as a put down, neither does anyone I know.

In fact we had a friends WhatsApp chat yesterday morning as to whether we were wearing our posh frocks for an afternoon tea.

Just because you think it is a put down does not mean that is how everyone uses the word.

If I said to a friend “Wear your posh frock!” or “I’ll wear my posh frock” it would mean we would be looking forward to something to enjoy, wearing our nicest frock or whatever, and certainly not a put down.

I will look out for when you next use the word on GN and judge. Certainly, the main use of it on GN is to put somethin, or someone down.

Not in my world, MOnica, you can't tel1 me what I mean when I use the word.

Dickens, you have hit the nail on the head there = it means different things to different people.

I have never seen, heard or read the word 'posh' used in a situation that isn't, slightly, just so very slightly, derogatory.

It is used to dismiss something, 'O very posh!'. Demean someone, 'of course they went to a very posh school!', perhaps to explain how an otherwise very clever person got into a top university. It was privilege, not brains and hard work that got them there.

Listen to any context within it is used and there is that element of put-down.

kittylester

This thread is full of sweeping generalisations.

Well as posh means different things to different people, it's bound to be, m' dear!

I found it quite interesting and not infrequently amusing.

Mollygo

Upmarket is usually translated as small portions, much handled food and large prices.

You're right!

Those huge heavy plates with a small dollop of something in the centre tastefully arranged and encircled by a little moat of 'jus'.

kittylester

This thread is full of sweeping generalisations.

Isn’t it just.

I really dislike being put in a general box

I also dislike being told what I mean when I say/post something by someone who doesn’t know me on an anonymous forum.

This thread is full of sweeping generalisations.

I can’t say I like it, but I don’t hate it. I hardly ever use it except probably ironically - for anything like a restaurant I’d probably say smart or upmarket.

Posh might just mean a pleasant setting instead of a crowded town centre.

Upmarket is usually translated as small portions, much handled food and large prices.

Grantanow

Hating any word is a waste of energy. Words are instruments of communication and 'posh' is as valid as any other.

Agreed. Shakespeare was the worst (and best) culprit- inventing 100s of new words that he believed would enrich the language and make communication more lively with more nuances.

Grantanow you are right of course but I suppose the issue here is what are we communicating?

I have found this chat quite interesting and have subsequently spent a happy hour looking up meanings and etymology of a couple of words linked to this discussion.

We would all like to communicate better I think so it's good to hear other people's ideas.

Hating any word is a waste of energy. Words are instruments of communication and 'posh' is as valid as any other.

I agree maw. Have you met my sister in law. She's say something was upmarket (generally meaning more expensive) where I'd say 'posh' in a jokey way.

Now you come to mention it, while I have no objection to “posh” which is more often used in a jokey or light-hearted way, I do dislike the term “upmarket” which I always “hear” with a touch of criticism or possibly boasting - a sort of one upmanship- from the speaker.
“We’re going to a posh restaurant “ sounds tongue in cheek to me, but “We’re going to an upmarket restaurant” is just showing off!

Well said Dickens

Joseanne Veeraswamy! Now that’s a nameI haven’t heard in a long time!
My late MIL was a colonial, she met FIL who was serving in India in WW2, when they came back to England they lived in Surrey but would regularly go into London to visit Veeraswamy, MIL missed Indian food so much, it was traditionally eaten on a Sunday at “the club” and I believe Veeraswamy was the first reputable Indian restaurant in the UK.
She did eventually learn to cook but it took her a long time to adapt to a life without servants.

Caleo

There are much more important happenings for Sago to take offence at.

There are. In fact, why are we even discussing failed beef-stews in slow cookers, or indulging in the many games and / or chats when so much is 'happening' in the country and the rest of the world?

During the second world-war when bombs were dropping on London, people went to dance-halls, cinemas, pubs, restaurants, they chatted about inconsequential things - because life goes on and people's inclinations are towards normality in their everyday lives, even under duress.

I am pontificating because the "first-world-problems", "there-are-more-important-things-to-worry-about" rebukes are censorious and wearisome. We're all aware of the "more important happenings" - they are happening to us... meanwhile, life goes on and Sago or anyone else can decide for themselves whether or not to focus on the current problems.

Love your second link M0nica
Still don't know the truth but SO interesting.
Thank you!

M0nica

I hate the word. It is used by people who are envious and resentful if other people have something they cannot have.

It is used to dismiss things other people have, and the people who own or aspire to own something, with a sneer, 'Oh, very posh'

Monica I'm surprised at your take on the word - I think more along the lines of Joseanne's Veeraswamy analogy!

Posh is a quick useful word to describe something that's upmarket, high-end, rarefied, etc.

If I describe a local store as a 'posh deli' most people would understand what I mean, and I hope they wouldn't think I'm envious.

M0nica

joseanne but when you or othes use 'posh' in that way, it is usually said and used in the conscious understanding that the word is mildly derogatory.

I have never and will never use posh in a derogatory way