SIR – Why is ‘pleb’ now regarded as such a term of abuse that a Tory right-winger has to deny using the term? I’m a pleb, and proud of it.
Back in the days of ancient Rome, plebeians were land-owning free citizens, not of the highest degree, but certainly not the lowest. Today, we’d probably call them middle-class.
The term came into the English language with the foundation of the Plebs League in 1908, dedicated to teaching the principles of Marxism among working-class thinkers.
The Scottish revolutionary, John Maclean, was a prominent member, as was A J Cook, miners’ leader during the 1926 General Strike . Its magazine, edited by J F Horrabin, was still published long after the League was absorbed into the National Central Labour College in 1927.
Where did Andrew Mitchell learn the term? Is there perhaps a dark secret in his political past? I think we should be told.
Karl Dallas, Church Green, Bradford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article