The term ‘gammon’ has an interesting history and has evolved over time to acquire various meanings, including its recent use as a term of abuse. This article explores the etymology of ‘gammon,’ its historical connotations, and its modern-day usage in political and social discourse.
The word ‘gammon’ originally referred to a type of cured ham, a definition still widely recognised today. Its etymology traces back to the Middle English term “gambon,” derived from Old North French “gambon” meaning “ham,” which in turn comes from “gambe” for “leg.” This culinary term made its way into English around the 15th century.
Beyond its gastronomic roots, ‘gammon’ developed a secondary meaning in the realm of gaming, particularly in backgammon. In this context, to ‘gammon’ an opponent meant to win a game of backgammon in a way that caused the opponent to lose double their stake, signifying a complete defeat.
The transition of ‘gammon’ from these benign meanings to a term of abuse is relatively recent and is closely tied to British political and social contexts. The contemporary derogatory usage of ‘gammon’ emerged in the late 2010s, gaining prominence through social media and political commentary.
This modern pejorative usage was popularised in part by journalist Caitlin Moran, who in a 2018 tweet, used ‘gammon’ to describe middle-aged, often red-faced men who express reactionary views, particularly regarding Brexit and nationalism. Moran’s tweet likened such men to the appearance of gammon ham, flushed and angry, during heated political discussions.
The term ‘gammon’ has come to embody more than just a physical description. It is often used to criticise a specific set of attitudes and behaviours associated with a segment of the population perceived to be older, predominantly male, and politically conservative. These individuals are characterised as being resistant to progressive ideas, vehemently nationalistic, and vocally supportive of traditional values.
While ‘gammon’ serves as a convenient shorthand in political discourse, its use has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the term is inherently ageist, sexist, and dismissive, reducing complex individuals to a simplistic stereotype based on their appearance and political views. This has led to debates about the appropriateness and civility of using such labels in public discussions.
The evolution of ‘gammon’ from a term referring to cured ham to a politically charged insult illustrates the dynamic nature of language and how societal changes can influence linguistic adaptations. While it serves as a powerful tool for political critique, the term’s use raises important questions about the boundaries of respectful discourse and the risks of perpetuating divisive stereotypes. Understanding the origins and implications of ‘gammon’ as a term of abuse encourages a more nuanced approach to political language and the ways we engage with opposing viewpoints.
The Use of ‘Gammon’ by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens, one of the most prominent authors of the 19th century, had a profound impact on the English language and literature. Among the many terms and expressions found in his works is ‘gammon.’ Dickens used this term in a way that adds to its rich history and layered meanings.
In Dickens’s work, ‘gammon’ often carried the connotation of deceit or nonsense. This usage aligns with the term’s slang meaning during the 19th century, where ‘gammon’ could imply trickery or humbug. Dickens’s adeptness at capturing the colloquial language of his characters allowed him to use ‘gammon’ effectively to convey the social dynamics and attitudes of his era.
One notable example of Dickens using ‘gammon’ can be found in his novel “Nicholas Nickleby.” In Chapter 16, the character John Browdie uses the term while conversing with Nicholas:
“‘Gammon!’ said John.”
In this context, ‘gammon’ is used as an exclamation to dismiss something as foolish or deceitful. Browdie’s use of the term reflects his no-nonsense attitude and skepticism towards what he perceives as insincerity or dishonesty.
Another example is from “The Pickwick Papers,” where ‘gammon’ appears in a dialogue to signify deceit or a ploy:
“‘It’s all gammon, Sam,’ replied Mr. Weller.”
Here, Mr. Weller dismisses a statement as ‘gammon,’ indicating that he believes it to be untrue or misleading. This usage underscores the character’s awareness of the duplicity around him, showcasing Dickens’s ability to use contemporary slang to develop his characters’ personalities and social awareness.
“He was a tough, burly, thick-headed gentleman, with a loud voice, a pompous manner, a tolerable command of sentences with no meaning in them, and, in short, every requisite for a very good member indeed.
‘Now, gentlemen,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, tossing a great bundle of papers into a wicker basket at his feet, and throwing himself back in his chair with his arms over the elbows, ‘you are dissatisfied with my conduct, I see by the newspapers.’
‘Yes, Mr. Gregsbury, we are,’ said a plump old gentleman in a violent heat, bursting out of the throng, and planting himself in the front.
‘Do my eyes deceive me,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, looking towards the speaker, ‘or is that my old friend Pugstyles?’
‘I am that man, and no other, sir,’ replied the plump old gentleman.
‘Give me your hand, my worthy friend,’ said Mr. Gregsbury. ‘Pugstyles, my dear friend, I am very sorry to see you here.’
‘I am very sorry to be here, sir,’ said Mr. Pugstyles; ‘but your conduct, Mr. Gregsbury, has rendered this deputation from your constituents imperatively necessary.’
‘My conduct, Pugstyles,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, looking round upon the deputation with gracious magnanimity–‘my conduct has been, and ever will be, regulated by a sincere regard for the true and real interests of this great and happy country. Whether I look at home, or abroad; whether I behold the peaceful industrious communities of our island home: her rivers covered with steamboats, her roads with locomotives, her streets with cabs, her skies with balloons of a power and magnitude hitherto unknown in the history of aeronautics in this or any other nation–I say, whether I look merely at home, or, stretching my eyes farther, contemplate the boundless prospect of conquest and possession–achieved by British perseverance and British valour–which is outspread before me, I clasp my hands, and turning my eyes to the broad expanse above my head, exclaim, “Thank Heaven, I am a Briton!”‘
The time had been, when this burst of enthusiasm would have been cheered to the very echo; but now, the deputation received it with chilling coldness. The general impression seemed to be, that as an explanation of Mr. Gregsbury’s political conduct, it did not enter quite enough into detail; and one gentleman in the rear did not scruple to remark aloud, that, for his purpose, it savoured rather too much of a ‘gammon’ tendency.
‘The meaning of that term–gammon,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, ‘is unknown to me. If it means that I grow a little too fervid, or perhaps even hyperbolical, in extolling my native land, I admit the full justice of the remark. I AM proud of this free and happy country. My form dilates, my eye glistens, my breast heaves, my heart swells, my bosom burns, when I call to mind her greatness and her glory.'”
In this passage, Mr. Gregsbury’s speech is criticised by a member of the deputation for having a ‘gammon’ tendency, implying that his grandiose and patriotic rhetoric is insincere or deceptive. Mr. Gregsbury pretends not to understand the term but accepts that it might refer to his overzealous expressions of patriotism. This use of ‘gammon’ aligns with its connotation of deceit or nonsense, reflecting the deputations’ frustration with Gregsbury’s lack of substantive answers.
Dickens’s use of ‘gammon’ reflects the broader Victorian social context, where language was rich with slang and idiomatic expressions. The term’s connotations of deceit and nonsense were particularly fitting for Dickens’s narratives, which often dealt with themes of social injustice, hypocrisy, and the disparity between appearance and reality.
By incorporating ‘gammon’ into his dialogue, Dickens not only added authenticity to his characters’ speech but also critiqued the societal norms and behaviours of his time. The dismissive use of ‘gammon’ by his characters often served to expose the underlying truth in a world rife with pretense and manipulation.
Charles Dickens’s use of ‘gammon’ in his literature is a testament to his skill in capturing the vernacular of his era and using it to enhance his storytelling. The term, laden with implications of deceit and foolishness, fits seamlessly into Dickens’s themes of social critique and character development. Understanding Dickens’s employment of ‘gammon’ provides valuable insight into the linguistic and social fabric of 19th-century England, illustrating how language can both reflect and shape societal attitudes.
Therefore, the term ‘gammon’ across time has come to signy those who fail to deal in reality and let their emotional responses drown their potential intellectual capacities. These responses serve no purpose in expanding knowledge. However, whether it is respectful to attach such a nomenclature to another person is helpful or respectful is a completely different question.
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