FIFA World Cup 2026 USA

[ShaunWhite]

Is this the WC2026 thread or a transcript of Word Of Mouth

[Euler]

Here's how the winner odds have changed so far.

[Crazyskier]

Indeed. I was only debating the original meanings of 'gay' and 'queer' the other day, when used by Tolkien in his seminal piece, Lord of the Rings.
CS

It's just 'jolly/lighthearted' and 'unusual' isn't it. My parents who'd be over 100 now used them in that way till their end. The phase 'nowt as queer as folk' is still common round my neck of the woods.

Is there an alternate etymology?

Correct, some of my older Masonic pals still insist on the correct use of these words, and others. There is nothing like a 60s or 70s Grammar School education, for the widest of vocabularies and comprehension.

CS

[sniffer66]

Indeed. I was only debating the original meanings of 'gay' and 'queer' the other day, when used by Tolkien in his seminal piece, Lord of the Rings.
CS

It's just 'jolly/lighthearted' and 'unusual' isn't it. My parents who'd be over 100 now used them in that way till their end. The phase 'nowt as queer as folk' is still common round my neck of the woods.

Is there an alternate etymology?

Correct, some of my older Masonic pals still insist on the correct use of these words, and others. There is nothing like a 60s or 70s Grammar School education, for the widest of vocabularies and comprehension.

CS

You just described my 80 year old dad to a tee. Grammar school, ex Masonic Grand Master. Two nights ago, during a family watch of the England match we had a debate over the use of the word "gay". "Hijacked by the homosexuals!"

[Euler]

Nothing better than tippy tapping playing out from the back against one of the world's best sides. What could possibly go wrong?

[ShaunWhite]

Correct, some of my older Masonic pals still insist on the correct use of these words, and others. There is nothing like a 60s or 70s Grammar School education, for the widest of vocabularies and comprehension.

I didn't know the Masons were still going! I'm a 70s grammar school kid, founded in 1372 and granted a charter by Elizabeth I in 1591.... which would blow the minds of Americans.

[Crazyskier]

Correct, some of my older Masonic pals still insist on the correct use of these words, and others. There is nothing like a 60s or 70s Grammar School education, for the widest of vocabularies and comprehension.

I didn't know the Masons were still going! I'm a 70s grammar school kid, founded in 1372 and granted a charter by Elizabeth I in 1591.... which would blow the minds of Americans.

Around 200k of us meeting at 8k+ lodges in the UK, and 6m Masons globally! Nearly all senior Policemen, Judiciary, Royalty, etc are on the square.

And the MCF is one of the largest and oldest UK charities, raising over £50m annually in the UK alone. Highly recommended.

https://www.ugle.org.uk/ for more

CS

[ShaunWhite]

Around 200k of us meeting at 8k+ lodges in the UK, and 6m Masons globally! Nearly all senior Policemen, Judiciary, Royalty, etc are on the square.

Screenshot_20260625_194736_Google.jpg

Yeah it was well known for being where people in power do "favours" for each other. Like a gathering of wronguns and bent coppers. I assume Prince Andrew was one.

Our local charitable organisation is the Lions, ordinary people.

[jamesedwards]

Ecuador HAVE to win.

Germany already guaranteed top position in the group.

Worth a dabble...

z237.jpg

[jamesedwards]

Ecuador HAVE to win.

Germany already guaranteed top position in the group.

Worth a dabble...

z237.jpg

Well, that pissed on my fireworks!

z238.jpg