…with the BBC. This is not something that occurs very often, given that I dislike both the BBC and Laura Kuenssberg. However, they are right this time, so credit where credit is due.
The BBC has rejected a complaint against political editor Laura Kuenssberg over her use of the phrase ‘nitty gritty’ – which anti-racism campaigners claim originates from the slave trade.
This was one arsehole who complained. Yes, one. And having had their complaint rightfully rejected, took it further. I expect they will go to Ofcom next.
As for this nonsense about it stemming from the slave trade – there is no evidence of this.
There is no evidence to support the suggestion that ‘nitty-gritty’ has any connection with slave ships. It may have originated in the USA as an African-American expression, but that’s as near as it gets to slavery. It isn’t even recorded in print until the 1930s, long after slave ships had disappeared, and none of the early references make any link to slavery.
Still, the kind of small-minded wokerati who complains about something like this isn’t likely to have a great grasp of etymology to start with, let alone a half-functioning brain.
I object to the use of the phrase ‘deja vu’, or any other words and phrases that originate from French.
Don’t people know how many wars England, and then the UK, had against France?
I will be on the lookout for any language of French origin on the BBC.
Since the BBC are so expert at deflecting fully justified complaints, they shouldn’t have any trouble with this one. Paul Homewood regularly takes them to task for their misrepresentations on the subject of climate change. No matter how wrong they are they always come up with some convoluted way of claiming that they were right really.
I understand that term originated from the manufacture of bread in households. The grain used was not as refined as it is today and, in baking, the husks would go to the bottom. The top of the loaf (the upper crust) would be more palatable, and would be offered to any guests. The middle would be less palatable, and the bottom part, consisting mainly of the husks, would be gritty. Where the ‘nitty’ part comes in, I have no idea, but may have been included as a form of game for children. I don’t think that the popular song, “Let’s Get Down To The Real Nitty Gritty” has less to do with slavery than a request to get down to basics. I believe the song was made popular by a black singer or group and, if so, would be an obvious target for the professionally offended to take up as a subject to protest about.
Agree
Wouldnt you like to know who the woke twat is. I’m damned if i’ll let any of the idiots tell me what to think and say.