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KateJones
07-04-2008, 7:57 PM
OK, so if it was normal for prostitutes to describe themselves as dressmakers and laundresses, how did other people with socially unacceptable professions describe themselves?
What did thieves, burglars, cutpurses, and similar miscreants use as a euphemism for their work?
Regards
KJ
uksearch
07-04-2008, 8:00 PM
If they had already been caught, and it was a Census year...Prisoner or inmate:D.

UK
KateJones
07-04-2008, 8:23 PM
...Prisoner or inmate:D.

UK


Yes, but is that really a euphemism?
Regards
KJ
uksearch
07-04-2008, 8:35 PM
Of course not.

UK
Alan Welsford
07-04-2008, 8:50 PM
What did thieves, burglars, cutpurses, and similar miscreants use as a euphemism for their work?

I've seen "Member of Parliament" used more than once! ;)
KateJones
07-04-2008, 8:58 PM
Alan, whatever has made you so cynical of our wonderful "Mother of Parliaments"?
Regards
KJ
Mutley
07-04-2008, 11:53 PM
OK, so if it was normal for prostitutes to describe themselves as dressmakers and laundresses, how did other people with socially unacceptable professions describe themselves?
What did thieves, burglars, cutpurses, and similar miscreants use as a euphemism for their work?
Regards
KJ

My London lot of thieves and burglars were all down in the census as a 'Carman' though I don't suppose the white van drivers of today would be that impressed with that description.;)