provocative phrases

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Thanks suziewoozie sorry but I often miss out on 'jargon' and am easily confused!

Galaxy why would that sign be VS? If they are offering free meals for kids over half term they are doing something!
When shops have '50%' reductions on children's clothes' posters up are they VS?

I think that depends on the context Parsley sometimes it really is too little too late and people have been making the case for it to start for ages.

Too little, too late as a put down for a newly introduced government measure of any sort. Why not just say that it’s a start?

Meant to say imo those 3 phrases are always used in a derogatory manner - absolutely value loaded phrases.

I drove past a pub today it had a massive sign up saying children eat free during half term. I suppose I would consider that virtue signalling. Cashing in on an excellent campaign without doing anything to support it.

Sorry PECS autocorrect. Yes of course GN - I find the offenders do it without a blush ( or probably a thought)

"That's a good question-" It's used during interviews- I find myself wanting to turn off the radio, podcast, streaming video when I hear it because the question being asked is usually rooted in bias- It supports the views of both the individual being interviewed as well as the individual carrying out the interview, leaving no room difference of opinion or perception- It's a provocative format-

eazybee I can see that there may be some people who do that ..boasting that they have done something good.

However I have seen the phrase, used in a derogatory manner, to undermine people who are genuinely doing good things. A bit like Priti Patel calling lawyers 'do-gooders' for doing their job!

suziewoozie do you mean GN? It would be more helpful to the debate if we knew what you actually meant?

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.

Virtue signalling is exactly what it says: someone signalling their virtue to others.
Not simply doing a good act, but making sure everyone is aware of what is being done,' to emphasise the moral correctness of one's position'.

Jane10

I hate the phrase 'right thinking' which actually only means people who agree with the person saying that.

Absolutely!
As in ‘all right thinking people will blah blah’ .....it’s meaningless.

FannyCornforth

I think of 'virtue signalling' as relating to empty words and no real action.
Similar to people latching onto other's grief (I can't remember the phrase for this).
Sort of 'look at what a lovely, empathetic person I am, unlike you'.

Yes, I agree, so sometimes the phrase is quite apt ....it’s natural home seems to be social media.

vegansrock I expect she may not mind that accolade!

The law applies equally to all citizens and each citizen has a right to use the law to protect themselves or to get redress. There is no 'do-gooding' about it..it is part of our Great British institution ... but this government appears to want to demolish things we need to be proud of and continue to behave in dishonourable ways!

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.

When Patel criticised those who want to support refugees as “do gooders” I wondered whether she counts herself as a “do badder”?