UK Honours List - a bit OT

[BoldHighlander]

I know that I and others have been having a spot of fun here by being deliberately evasive, but behind it all, there is a very real natural reluctance to say too much about these things. Not because any one is ashamed of the honours system, far from it, but "blowing one's own trumpet" really is not regarded with any enthusiasm by the British.

Believe it or not, there are many of us on this side of the pond who feel the same way!

No one likes a braggart and Britain has a natural aversion to such people and has ways of dealing with that, should the rare occasion arise.

And neither do I! :mrgreen:

[Jock Scot]

I know for a fact that you are quite right Terry there are many individual Americans, including your good self, who are extremely modest about your achievments, but with the greatest of respect to your great and wonderful Country, modesty is not one of your Nation's strong points!

[BoldHighlander]

I know for a fact that you are quite right Terry there are many individual Americans, including your good self, who are extremely modest about your achievments, but with the greatest of respect to your great and wonderful Country, modesty is not one of your Nation's strong points!

Unfortunately I'd have to agree with you....but don't tell anyone I said so

[Jock Scot]

Unfortunately I'd have to agree with you....but don't tell anyone I said so

Not a word shall pass my lips.

[Lallans]

In the happy days when you could still buy Punch (or as in my case, read a library copy), I remember they mercilessly mocked Clement Freud for insisting on being called "Sir Clement" over the phone. So if the honourific is not used, it is always incorrect to correct the speaker?

Not that I expect my title will ever be awarded....

[robbiethepiper]

My father was given a knighthood when he retired. It was never mentioned verbally. When writing FORMAL letters he would sign normally then type the full bit below. Incidentally, this honour was for his life's work in the armaments business, which many would consider dubious, but it seems to make a difference if your employer is the government......

[macwilkin]

But suppose Her Majesty decided that I were worthy of honoring and made a Member of the British Empire. Would I refer to myself as "piperdbh, MBE", or would that be considered bad form?
I had a few professors in college who would refer to themselves as "Dr. So-and-So", and smart-alecky students like me always thought it was a bit pretentious.

Why is it pretentious? If they earned the title, then they should use it. Whenever students call me "Doctor", I always thank them for the promotion, but then diplomatically inform them that as a holder of a MA, I am only entitled to "Mister".

T.

[piperdbh]

Why is it pretentious? If they earned the title, then they should use it. Whenever students call me "Doctor", I always thank them for the promotion, but then diplomatically inform them that as a holder of a MA, I am only entitled to "Mister".

T.

I always referred to my professors by their titles. We had a husband-and-wife team of professors who would refer to each other as "Professor" and "Doctor", which some of us thought was sort of uppity.

[macwilkin]

I always referred to my professors by their titles. We had a husband-and-wife team of professors who would refer to each other as "Professor" and "Doctor", which some of us thought was sort of uppity.

But you know, I can see the reason behind that. Would you rather they refer to each other as "honey" and "snookums"? I studied under a husband and wife in my undergraduate program, and whilst I can't remember them referring to each other as "Doctor A*****", they certainly tried to maintain a fair degree of professionalism at work.

T.

[Biathlonman]

Most professors are PhDs - and but not all PhDs are professors.

A junior teacher at a university with a doctorate could be called "Doctor so and so", but when they become a professor they call themselves that instead.

In Italy, with a Master's degree, they'll call you "Dottore" as a mark of respect, though you haven't a doctorate.

In Germany, if you have a doctorate you are Herr Doktor - but your wife also will be called Frau Doktor - not a bad deal at all.

I knew a fellow with seven degrees, including two doctorates. But his proudest achievement was to have been a combat fighter pilot, and live to tell the tale.