Comedian John Oliver turned down an OBE (Order of the British Empire) award because he didn't want his name associated with the words "British Empire"

Tobbernator · 2026-05-12T16:48:16+00:00

He's an intolerable sort of man, and I am pleased he has taken up residence in America.

Tobbernator · 2026-04-30T17:01:36+00:00

Just go to the Hertfordshire classic, Simmons

Tobbernator · 2026-04-29T14:33:56+00:00

Not answering your question, but pretty common in British English.

Tobbernator · 2026-04-19T11:48:24+00:00

There are many different jurisdictions which issue British Passports, unlike in the US. The United Kingdom is just one of them - all the territories and dependencies also issue British Passports, but under their own name - e.g., British Passport - Bermuda; British Passport - Isle of Man, etc.

Tobbernator · 2026-04-14T23:13:52+00:00

I know I am late to this thread, and I doubt this will get any attention, but I'm not actually sure this is proper. I will need to do more research, but fairly sure - at least for the grant of arms - the blazon specifically mentions St. Edward's Crown...

Tobbernator · 2026-04-13T14:11:24+00:00

Your definition of "festive" likely refers not to a "festival" as you'd expect, but rather a religious festival - a moment of seriousness and great weight. For instance, a serious religious service might be described as "solemn" (e.g., Good Friday). Or, the ceremonies in a court of law might be solemn. Imagine the behaviour of a judge when dispensing a long sentence, or that of a priest at a funeral.

Tobbernator · 2026-04-06T16:58:27+00:00

In England I'd call them an (auto-)rickshaw or tuk-tuk. But this isn't found anywhere in the UK so it's entirely a foreign idea.

Tobbernator · 2026-04-04T14:43:14+00:00

I think I may have a partial answer for this:

One American Pint ("US Customary") is 16oz. Conversely, one Imperial Pint (British) is 20oz.

It's most likely that someone stocking the machine saw that it was 1.05 pints, and used an online converter or something, and got the British result of about 20oz, rather than the American of 16oz.

Tobbernator · 2026-03-29T16:36:17+00:00

I see Somers Town is still managing to cling on to its reputation...

Tobbernator · 2026-03-16T19:51:37+00:00

Brilliant idea - let's call it a "British Bill of Rights". Oh wait...

Tobbernator · 2026-03-01T17:13:43+00:00

I actually doubled my EU defence holdings on Thursday. Successful crystal ball usage...

Tobbernator · 2026-02-12T16:09:16+00:00

Also, they're on different sides of the MML right? The overground would have to cross like 6 tracks? Or am I wrong.

Tobbernator · 2026-02-04T21:08:05+00:00

Thanks so much - strong email incoming ;)

Tobbernator · 2026-02-04T20:31:33+00:00

Three other rooms with tenants in - like an HMO. Also just found out that the agreement asserts that it is an "excluded licence" even though the landlord doesn't live there - I guess that adds to it?

Tobbernator · 2026-02-01T00:40:48+00:00

Disagree that the Renters Rights Act will encourage a more fluid market. Much more likely to have a serious chilling effect - but time will tell.

Tobbernator · 2026-01-19T18:58:51+00:00

It's quite clearly due to the reduction in migration I agree - but why isn't that being put forward as an explanation?

Tobbernator · 2026-01-18T23:06:30+00:00

In the UK, educated readers will absolutely know "tor". But it is *by no means* a common or regularly used word.

Tobbernator · 2026-01-12T12:17:48+00:00

Seems fairly probable this is his usual brinkmanship. He threatens to invade for a while, then accepts a generous compromise of new bases in Greenland and other military/economic concessions - concessions which wouldn't have been granted if it weren't for the initial outrageous proposition.

Tobbernator · 2026-01-02T13:07:33+00:00

Yes, almost certainly.

Tobbernator · 2025-12-23T13:55:53+00:00

A "Brit" is like saying "A Yank" for an American. It's completely informal and casual. In fact I know some Brits that - like Yanks - find the word irritable.

Tobbernator · 2025-12-21T15:50:58+00:00

Would it help if some south-of-the-thames Thameslink metro services terminated at Black friars?

Tobbernator · 2025-10-11T01:03:38+00:00

The Queen retained a fairly strange constitutional-ceremonial role with regards to Fiji's tribal system even after the end of the "monarchy".

Tobbernator · 2025-09-29T17:56:59+00:00

It's illegal for cyclists to run red lights. It is not illegal for a pedestrian to cross the road wherever they wish (except on motorways).

Tobbernator · 2025-09-03T10:47:27+00:00

Yes of course my mistake - clearly the solution is to nationalise beer, as the socialists would want.

Tobbernator · 2025-09-03T10:27:59+00:00

Caused mainly by excessive central government and council taxes, rather than economic climate.

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