provocative phrases

No they are not, most pubs run that type of promotion in half term holidays, it's a bog standard promotion to get people in the doors. The children only get free meals if the parents pay for their meals, that wont help the families that marcus rashford is campaigning for. Most business owners that are working with the rashford campaign are giving food away for free no expectation that you spend something in the business.

I always thought "virtue signalling" was when someone - usually a celebrity - made a point of saying, often on social media, that they supported this or that charity/cause etc. but didn't actually do anything.

I think the problem is Old that the phrase is now used indiscriminately. A Tory MP accused MR of vs when clearly he is working his socks off to help in a zillion practical ways. It’s a lazy use of language really and so often used now both sneeringly and inaccurately.

I quote -
"Janpt "I speak as someone who thought about any decisions we made and as a result we are fortunate just now not to have the problems you mention. I realize that that may not always be the case but hope we have covered most situations you mention although many no longer apply."^

Virtue signalling par excellence."^

Guilty as charged - used on the coup thread. I suppose I could have said she was blowing her own trumpet!

I was accused of virtue signalling a while ago because I twice mentioned a small charity I support, thinking others on that thread might be interested.
So I never mention it now.

I may have used the term myself the other day but it wasn't about another Gransnetter or, indeed, about a footballer.

I learnt it on GN anyway.

suziewoozie I just look at the people who employ the phrases do-gooders, politically correct, virtue signalling and it tells me all I need to know about them and their views on well, just about anything really. It also tells me about their lack of capacity for any critical thought.

also suziewoozie There’s plenty of vs on Gan - lovely example this morning - the amusing thing is that it’s often carried out by those who jump to criticise it in others.

Hmmm I'm a tad confused? You appear to be criticising people on GN for VS.

Another put down phrase much used on the forum.....
Pearl clutcher

I hate pearl clutcher its usually used against women raising concerns about the exploitation of women or children.

"This is just a friendly request" letter = pretending friendly

Yes I hate pearl clutcher too.......it's such a sexist put down, never used against men.

It's worrying when those who wear masks are accused of being virtue signallers as happened in the US.

Is it akin to moral grandstanding?

Phrases fall in and out of fashion.

I always assumed a 'pearl clutcher' was referring to an older woman who overreacts to situations in an rather pretentious way. A bit of a Mrs Bucket character!

Any phrase used perjoratively is to be avoided!

ageist as well as sexist, the double whammy!

I usually see it in terms of women raising concerns about prostitution, porn etc.

I use the phrase ‘pearl clutches’ sometimes to posters who feign horror at ‘swearing’. I mean really, FFS.

I just look at the people who employ the phrases do-gooders, politically correct, virtue signalling and it tells me all I need to know about them and their views on well, just about anything really. It also tells me about their lack of capacity for any critical thought.

That may well be true and the same may well be true of those who resort to swear words.

Oh a whole range of people swear from the Queen to me! It crosses class and political values so harder to define the 'views' of a swearer!

Callistemon

^I just look at the people who employ the phrases do-gooders, politically correct, virtue signalling and it tells me all I need to know about them and their views on well, just about anything really. It also tells me about their lack of capacity for any critical thought.^

That may well be true and the same may well be true of those who resort to swear words.

Pray tell.

Oh, I didn't say I don't, PECS!

But swearing at other posters on social media seems to indicate that the poster is either losing an argument or unable to articulate their thoughts clearly.

PECS

Oh a whole range of people swear from the Queen to me! It crosses class and political values so harder to define the 'views' of a swearer!

Exactly

Using FFS to another poster is a lazy way to be critical.

Really ? I’m one of the most articulate posters on GN and rarely lose arguments

....and modest too suzie ?

Pray tell.

I did.

And very humorous too, sw

???