Is "Tory" offensive??? Options

[Richard Garvie]

I've been bashed a few times for using the word "Tory". but why is it offensive??? The official Conservative Party twitter account is called "Tory Press HQ", and the media use the word "Tory" a lot. I thought it was something that was Conservative Party inspired, but does anyone know where it originates from and why some people on here find it offensive???

[GMR]

The word was originally a term of abuse. The term referred to an Irish Outlaw and later use by such groups as Royalists. This was first used in the late 1660's/ 1700s.

[Andy Capp]

I find words are often more offensive by the intent, rather than the word used.

[Andy Capp]

Double post because of:

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[NWNREADER]

I find words are often more offensive by the intent, rather than the word used.

Totally agree. Even worse when the intent is 'hidden' behind the smirk of a Smiling Assassin

[JeffG]

behind the smirk of a Smiling Assassin

Whom do you have in mind?

[Richard Garvie]

I just thought as the Conservative Party even refer to themselves as "Tories", it was generally aceptable.

[Andy Capp]

I just thought as the Conservative Party even refer to themselves as "Tories", it was generally aceptable.

I would have said it was as well.

[GMR]

I just thought as the Conservative Party even refer to themselves as "Tories", it was generally aceptable.

The trouble is words over time change. Somebody couldcall somebody something and they wear it as a badge of honour... over the yearsthat word starts to mean something else. The word Tory derives from Toryism,which is a old school political philosophy. This philosophy sprang from theCavalier faction in the Wars that encroached our country. It is now means somebody who holds conservativeviews.

[On the edge]

Its fascinating seeing what changes over time. Liberal is another example; way back that meant small Government, Messrs Cobden and Bright. Not quite how they'd see themselves today!

[NWNREADER]

I just thought as the Conservative Party even refer to themselves as "Tories", it was generally aceptable.

Generally, just about any name/title is 'acceptable', but the speaker may have mischief in mind with their particular use of the descriptor. A gentleman in his 90s, unwashed, would likely not appreciate one way of describing him, but it would be true. However, if the phrase were used to imply a particular 'interest', then it is less acceptable without evidence....

[Michael]

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