AIBU unreasonable to hate the word posh?

ShazzaKanazza

Haha Wyllow love that. Telefern
The term down rerd is a commonly heard saying.

Have you seen the mock signs got up by a group

"rerdwerks"

Sago

Is it just me?
I hate the word with a passion.
Posh hotel, posh restaurant, posh neighbours…..
What does it even mean?

It irritates me too - and I can't quite explain why.

It's something to do with the 'class' system - the idea that there are establishments (restaurants, hotels, etc) that are designed specifically for the 'right' people and we are supposed to be impressed. That doesn't really explain what I mean, but it's the closest I can get to it.

As for posh neighbours. Well, I was once described as "posh" and as I come from a very ordinary working-class background, speak with a standard London accent, have no airs nor graces (and no money to speak of) - I have absolutely no idea what it means. I was, in fact, in the same boat as the people who called me posh. They did mention the fact that they'd heard classical music emanating from my open kitchen window - who knew that made you "posh" - it was only Classic FM!

In the same vein, here's another idiom that grates - "toff".

I think it's because I just don't like the idea of being expected to be in awe of something or someone.

Restaurants, hotels, pubs - anywhere where people gather socially should just be pleasant, comfortable places, and people, well, as long as they are sociable and civilised - they can be Princes or Paupers as far as I'm concerned. Nice people are nice people.

I'm sure this makes little sense, but just wanted to add context!

Definitely Tenfoot Sago. Down Rerd means you are going down Hessle Road lol
My daughter and family live in a lovely village not far away and 4 year old Grandaughter speaks very nicely. Before today I have said posh.

Fleurpepper

Sago

Is it just me?
I hate the word with a passion.
Posh hotel, posh restaurant, posh neighbours…..
What does it even mean?

What do you use as a synonym?

There are so many adjectives, superb, lovely, delightful, charming but never posh.

ShazzaKanazza Rerd or tenfoot?
I had no idea until I left Hull in 1983 that tenfoots were not universal!

Haha Wyllow love that. Telefern
The term down rerd is a commonly heard saying.

That should be china, not China!
Whole different world..

"and I pronounce the t’s in a word like sitting"

ah, now thats an interesting one. In the interests of being not thought "posh", middle or upper class people class people start dropping their "t's" as in being "mockney".

I use the word posh light-heartedly I think. I've got a posh frock and some posh China..... I quite like the word .

I always thought the Posh Spice thing was weird.

I’ve been called posh simply because I don’t have a regional accent ( and I pronounce the t’s in a word like sitting !)

Fleurpepper
There’s no need to use a synonym.

ShazzaKanazza as one born and bred in Hull (just hear me say the word, "telefern" not you know what.

Posh was definitely derogatory when I was a kid. as in having airs and graces and definitely some social class inferred. I think its in the process of change, and it is in use both as humorous "we're off to a posh restaurant" "putting on a posh frock" and I have still heard it used in a derogatory way.

My mum had humble original but was taken to elocution lessons accuse her mum undoubtedly wanted her to marry posh. she didn't, but her failure to change her vowel sounds (especially the short or long "A" in "Grass") had her labelled as posh when she opened her mouth as a teacher.

I consulted our new friend (?) the urban dictionary. Entries there show BOTH interpretations of the word still well in use.

eazybee

I dislike it as it usually signifies disapproval, delivered with a faint sneer: a posh voice, neighbourhood, school etc, although I do like Barbara Good's posh frocks.

My thoughts exactly.
It's a word I dislike and would never use.
The origins where it just signified having more money to choose the better things in life - such as traveling to India where P.O.S.H just meant being able to afford the cooler more comfortable cabins - are irrelevant to me as it seems to be used in a sneery way these days as easybee says.

Can’t see me getting worked up over the word posh. Though I do find some words are far more irritating for me so I sympathise with you Sago.

I've just googled the origin of POSH. Have a look. There are lots of interesting suggestions.

Lucca

chocolatepudding

Port out, starboard home. Something to do with sailing?

Indian raj days. If you had money you had a cabin on the port side to go there but starboard to come “home”.

Agree with Lucca. It was something to do with weather conditions. Sunny cabin out and sunny cabin back, or maybe sea not so rough on one side as t'other.

Sago

Is it just me?
I hate the word with a passion.
Posh hotel, posh restaurant, posh neighbours…..
What does it even mean?

What do you use as a synonym?

I’m an American so we don’t hear the word “posh” unless it’s spoken by a British person. We were on a train from London to York a few years ago and sat across from a distinguished British gentleman. At one point in our conversation he commented on something as being “posh.” I loved his friendliness to us and his “posh” accent thrilled me to bits!!

Peterborough FC are known as The Posh. Apparently in 1921 the manager wanted posh players to play for a posh team. By posh he meant good and the name stuck.

Apparently, I have posh name.. An acquaintance always calls me Fleur (not my name) and, in the same breath,says 'I know you're not called Fleur but it's the only POSH name I can remember!'

Apparently the 'port out starboard home ' is a myth and 'posh' was a slang word for money appearing in the 18th century. There is no evidence that P.O.S.H. was ever stamped on cruise ship tickets.

I've just remembered one that DH's gran used a lot, she was a lovely person who never argued never caused disagreements.
One of her sayings was I've just been talking to Mrs So and So and she's"So betta ma class" than I am. Or don't do that it's for the "Betta ma class". I used to tell her she was as good as anyone else and not to put herself down.
Has anyone else heard the term? It was a substitute for posh. It is probably Northern.

ShazzaKanazza

I say the word but only when I’m impressed. Like ooh this is a posh restaurant or a posh hotel or the menu is very posh. I’d love a posh accent Sago I don’t like my Hull one.

Wait while next week and the Hull one might be all the rage like a Scouse one used to be.

We all used it for the singer in the spice girls did anyone object? People still call her that, not Victoria or Mrs Beckham
It depends on what context it is used and the tone of voice.
I was taught like others it was from the days of the British Raj, just like the Fishing fleet or Returned empties.
As for private schools, which really is another issue, I'm with Sago. We all do what is best for our children if we can afford it.
I can talk English three ways, what some would call "posh", , normal everyday speech for the area I live in and at home the very regional local accent I was brought up with.

ShazzaKanazza

I say the word but only when I’m impressed. Like ooh this is a posh restaurant or a posh hotel or the menu is very posh. I’d love a posh accent Sago I don’t like my Hull one.

I love regional accentsShazza it’s wonderful to know someone is from Hull or Birmingham we should be proud.
I don’t have one because I was forced into elocution lessons from an early age and went to a school where most of the accents were neutral.
“Ser dernt woreee bout yer ull accent😉