Thursday April 18 2013
To persevere with our continuing education on proper stagecoach etiquette, since one day we will likely return to this form of long distance travel, we peruse rule #3.
"Gentlemen must refrain from the use of rough language in the presence of ladies and children."
This, like many of the rules, seems pretty obvious, and fairly easy for most gentlemen of the Western persuasion to accomplish (think: tip of the hat and nod, an eye wink, and 'Yes Ma'am'). Even the rougher sort can hold the bad language in until the stage pulls over for one of its quick stops on the route, at which point the rougher gents can spill out of the stage, void their mouths, and climb back into the stagecoach in peace for another couple of hours.
However, there is no fine print underneath this rule to instruct the rougher sex in how to handle the situation when the gentle sex and children use uncouth language in the close confines of a long-distance stage journey. Anything goes there, I reckon.
Sounds like everyone would have to watch their p's &q's inside. If I was riding the stage I might have to ask for some time outside occasionally. Wonder how the rules apply to the drivers? I mean they're on the stagecoach but up on the seats outside.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a good question. I guess if they're driving fast enough, and the stagecoach is rattly enough, they could get away with a little foul language...
DeleteI can't wait til we go back to this......
ReplyDeleteGreat glimpse into another time, and in part I found it interesting that men had to be "reminded" of this rule.
ReplyDeletePS: cross country ski trails are "always" marked in km, I guess it reflects the European origins of the sport
Rather amusing today, considering that the feminine tongue and the youthful tongue might well be the ones to watch for foul language in this day and age. *G*
ReplyDeleteno kidding!
DeleteThe graffiti in women's public toilets is said to be rougher than that in the men's.
ReplyDelete