I had a good laugh the other day. I saw a news report out of the USA. It seems that the news crew was interviewing a witness to a crime.
"Did you see what happened?" Asked the reporter.
"Yes. I did." Replied the witness. "I heard four shots then three gentleman came running out of the bank and jumped in to a car......"
What made me a giggle was the word "gentleman" used to describe three bank robbers!!

1. At one time a Gentleman was a man who did not have to work for living. He had a private income, from inheritance or perhaps an estate. Under that definition few of us men would qualify.

2. In time, it changed to mean a man of culture, good manners and that elusive term, "of good breeding!" He was a chap with a good general education in the "arts." He also knew not to pick his nose at the Dinner table!!! He also came from a "good" family.

3. It changed again! It meant a man very well acquainted with the difficult art of etiquette. He knew the art of good manners. He did not stand at the street corner grasping his groin and making inappropriate remarks to women that passed him on the street. He was well spoken, not given to profanity and knew how to treat a Lady, and indeed, all people with kindness and respect. He was comfortable in the company of Kings or the common man. His motto might have been, "The art of good manners is to make other people feel comfortable."

4. Now, it seems to mean any person who is a male!

Ladies! Using definition 1-3, do you know a Gentleman? Or are your male acquaintances only to be found under definition 4?
Do you wish there were more real Gentlemen?
How stands the "Gentleman" situation in this nation, indeed, the world, today?

I know a few....personally about ten. :)

I know a few....personally about ten. :)

In what category would you place them 1, 2, or 3? :)

Please expand on the question "How stands the "Gentleman" situation in this nation, indeed, the world, today?"

deep post....
all my life I only wanted to be man...being a gentleman is something that just came about!!

I married a gentleman :hammer: ... and he's a keeper.

I had a good laugh the other day. I saw a news report out of the USA. It seems that the news crew was interviewing a witness to a crime.
"Did you see what happened?" Asked the reporter.
"Yes. I did." Replied the witness. "I heard four shots then three gentleman came running out of the bank and jumped in to a car......"
What made me a giggle was the word "gentleman" used to describe three bank robbers!!

1. At one time a Gentleman was a man who did not have to work for living. He had a private income, from inheritance or perhaps an estate. Under that definition few of us men would qualify.

I think the term has changed. They are now called playboys or 'the heir to [a famous rich person]'



2. In time, it changed to mean a man of culture, good manners and that elusive term, "of good breeding!" He was a chap with a good general education in the "arts." He also knew not to pick his nose at the Dinner table!!! He also came from a "good" family.


As the standard gets lowered it encompasses more people. Men of culture, good manners and an arts education now equates to 'metrosexual' in many instances today. #2's 'good family' can also infer a class division (upper class) or sexual division (the lady can't think for herself, so I as the man will do it for her) which is outdated in modern society.


3. It changed again! It meant a man very well acquainted with the difficult art of etiquette. He knew the art of good manners. He did not stand at the street corner grasping his groin and making inappropriate remarks to women that passed him on the street. He was well spoken, not given to profanity and knew how to treat a Lady, and indeed, all people with kindness and respect. He was comfortable in the company of Kings or the common man. His motto might have been, "The art of good manners is to make other people feel comfortable."


I don't think that today's world can expect any more than that from a gentleman. Acknowledgement - and more importantly respect - of a woman's intellect and power is probably the single most important element of today's gentleman. Doesn't mean a man shouldn't open a door or pull out a chair, but he should do it out of manners instead of thinking that a woman couldn't do it herself.


4. Now, it seems to mean any person who is a male!

Just another example of words being misused as the Queen's english is mutated and mutilated. Gay used to mean happy, queer used to mean weird, a joint used to be where two things were connected, and coke used to be a drink or coal dust.


Do you wish there were more real Gentlemen?


No. I'm happy being one of the minority! The ladies know a real difference after they're done hookin' up with 'regular men', and they appreciate what being with a gentleman means.

Look at Islandgyal's post

I married a gentleman ... and he's a keeper

Some good info there casualobserver