I'm sure we have all had enough of the William and Kate saga but one thing is puzzling me regarding the supposed wrong use of the word PARDON,what's wrong with it and what is one supposed to say instead?
Pardon is supposed to be working- and middle-class usage. Apparently the so-called upper classes say 'What?' It's all a load of nonsense. Let's hope the whole thing is left to die a quick and natural death, and both of them can get on with their lives, and spare us any more details.
'Pardon me Mrs Arden, there is a pig in your garden'.
I have no idea what you are referring to, but perhaps one might seek a pardon from Her Maj for any digression. Pardon could be used in its literary context of 'excuse me' an act of forgiveness, or pardoning.
Not really meant as a replacement for 'what?'; 'eh?'; 'ug?' etcetera.
Joe- the- Lion at school we were actually punished if we used the word 'what' instead of pardon as it was considered to be very rude.
I agree Brionon with what you say and as for this upper,middle and working class labelling, it's just as crazy.As Smurfchops naughtily points out at the end of the day we are all human and do the same lavatorial things.
Octavius don't you read the newspapers?