Are you a gentleman?

[reetpleat]

Except when someone says "If I weren't a gentleman, I would..." or, in response to an impertinant question perhaps, says "A gentleman never kisses and tells" etc.

 

[avedwards]

I wonder, though. Can't one tell, based on accent alone, whether one is rich or poor, and where someone is from?

Other than the obvious Cockney accent which only the "working class" have, accents now vary depending on where you live rather than your social status. For example, people of nearly all classes have the ugly regional accent where I live.

Anyway, social class shouldn't determine whether you are a gentleman. After all, a polite "working class" person could class as a gentleman, couldn't they?

 

[Brinybay]

However you define it, it ain't these two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9SaKYFR6ms

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Even with those newsboy caps.

 

[carouselvic]

Does Herb Tarlek know that they have his pants?

 

[donCarlos]

However you define it, it ain't these two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9SaKYFR6ms

I´m not sure why they chose "czechs" for this clip and I sincerely don´t know what combination of languages they used, but it´s funny!

To the topic - I am not a gentleman, but if somebody thinks it, I don´t correct them.

 

[Dave the Hick]

As my grandfather used to say:
"A gentleman is a man who can describe a woman, without the use of his hands!"

Now that's beautiful!

I s'pose definitions vary, but to me, a Gentleman is simply an honorable man. Few and far between these days.

 

[kyda]

Gentelman

I have to agree with DaveTheHick on this one, I think of a Gentleman as one who is honorable man as well as treating a woman with respect and with the kid gloves that is deserved.

 

[Max Flash]

By manners, not dress.

Although often the two go hand-in-hand.

 

[ortega76]

The term "gentleman" has been liberated from its Medieval roots for quite some time now and, in modern usage, means, a man, it is gender restrictive, who treats others with dignity and respect. This would appear to be the least one must do earn the term.

It would also appear to me that one of the many ways to fall short is to claim this trait for oneself.

Well put.

 

[KY Gentleman]

I try to treat others like I would like to be treated.
I hope that counts.

 

[Mr. Godfrey]

I would use "The Wind In The Willows" for my description.

Toad is supposed to be the Gentleman by breeding and class, however, Mole and Rat by their actions and manner would be a far more apt definition of a Gentleman.

My late Grandfather was a Gentlemen, very similar to Mole, I would love to be like him, a bit like Mr Godfrey from Dad's Army.

I am sad to say I am not. At least, we can but try!.

The FL is a good starting place, IMHO.

KR

 

[LordBest]

It would also appear to me that one of the many ways to fall short is to claim this trait for oneself.

I disagree, 'gentleman' is both a courtesy title and a certain manner of well mannered behaviour. While modesty is called for, if one considers oneself to be a gentleman, there is no harm in saying so when pressed. To exult in it would be another matter.

Sorry to sound so pompous.

 

[stephen1965]

Originally posted by Mr. Godfrey

I would use "The Wind In The Willows" for my description.

Toad is supposed to be the Gentleman by breeding and class, however, Mole and Rat by their actions and manner would be a far more apt definition of a Gentleman.

My late Grandfather was a Gentlemen, very similar to Mole, I would love to be like him, a bit like Mr Godfrey from Dad's Army.

I am sad to say I am not. At least, we can but try!.

The FL is a good starting place, IMHO.

KR

Oh yes,dear old dad's Army and the great Mr.Godfrey, a considerate man whose refinements were part of his considerate nature unlike the affectations of Captain Manwairing(sorry about spellling if incorrect).
You are also right IMO about Mole and Ratty which goes to show that the idea of a gentleman is beyond 'class' and more akin to 'beauty' or 'excellence'...
I reckon that in England I could, after a few minutes chat, pretty much tell someones background and 'class' but that what would make them a gentleman would be an open minded consideration and willingness to learn... to strive for understanding of oneself and others. It has very little to do with class structure anymore as far as I can see.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I disagree, 'gentleman' is both a courtesy title and a certain manner of well mannered behaviour. While modesty is called for, if one considers oneself to be a gentleman, there is no harm in saying so when pressed. To exult in it would be another matter.

Sorry to sound so pompous.

Not at all. We may disagree without being disagreeable.

 

[stephen1965]

Perhaps we could say that there is a code of gentlemanly conduct:

John Henry Cardinal Newman's description of the gentlemen (1852) says that

"It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain . . . the true gentleman . . . carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast. . . he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd . . He is patient, forebearing, and resigned."

What might be more fun is to look at some of the manners of speech,behaviour and costume attributed to 'gentlemen'. For instance:

From The Clothes of a Gentleman 1922, (Emily Post (1873–1960)):
To wear odd tweed coats and flannel trousers in town is not only inappropriate, but bad taste.:eusa_doh:
Have your breeches fit you. The coat is less important, in fact, any odd coat will do. Your legs are the cynosure of attention in riding.
White woolen socks are correct with white buckskin shoes in the country, but not in town.
Above everything, don’t wear white socks(with a business suit), and don’t cover yourself with chains, fobs, scarf pins, lodge emblems, etc., and don’t wear “horsey” shirts and neckties.

There's a lot more from Ms.Post

 

[Feraud]

and don’t wear “horsey” shirts and neckties.

Post just made my enemies list. I love horsey neckties.

 

[shortbow]

I perceive that there are a goodly number of real gentlemen peopling this establishment. It is most gratifying to see the number of posts that define the term as having more to do with character, integrity and honour, as opposed to the vagaries of socio-economic circumstance. Nice place, this.

 

[VintageVixie]

I feel it is only by manner and behavior that one can define someone as a gentleman. Most ladies can say they've known many a cad who looked and acted like a gentleman, but when the true nature came out, he certainly no longer deserved that title.

And I'd rather know a man with manners and integrity who is dressed in rags than a man dressed to the nines who is only arrogant, self-serving, and rude.

It is best of course if the image matches the inside, but not so often the case.

I have to admit I haven't known many men who actually aspire to be worthy of the title of Gentleman, and so it is very nice to see it being discussed like this.

 

[HadleyH]

A true gentleman doesn't tell.

No doubt about that!


also...


" Propriety of manners, and cosideration for others are the two main characteristics of a gentleman".
Benjamin Disraeli.-