Latest Breaking News

underpants

(196,849 posts)

31. "The right honorable gentleman is a jerk!"

Fri Jan 9, 2026, 10:12 AM

Jan 2026

The phrase "the right honorable gentleman is a jerk" refers to a notable exchange in the UK House of Commons in November 1991, during which the Speaker was forced to intervene to address the use of unparliamentary language.
During a heated debate on November 20, 1991, an unidentified Member of Parliament used the term "jerk" to describe another MP who was referred to with the formal honorific "right honorable gentleman" (which designates a member of the Privy Council).
The Speaker of the House at the time responded by saying:
"I am not sure whether 'jerk' is an entirely parliamentary expression. I have heard worse things here. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will refine his reference to the hon. Gentleman".

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

BumRushDaShow

46 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Mike Johnson to address UK Parliament ahead of US 250th anniversary [View all] BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 OP

Oh goody... yorkster Jan 2026 #1

Why? Polybius Jan 2026 #2

... BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 #6

It's a complete mystery to me. ananda Jan 2026 #46

a Trump whore, waxing on about democracy Skittles Jan 2026 #3

"waxing on about democracy"... llmart Jan 2026 #4

well there's nothing wrong with that Skittles Jan 2026 #5

Good Grief! Aren't the British peeved enough at us already?? Rhiannon12866 Jan 2026 #7

That's a pretty... 2naSalit Jan 2026 #8

I used to religiously watch "Question Time" on Sunday evenings on CSPAN BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 #9

He was a great Speaker! 2naSalit Jan 2026 #10

He'll probably bring his gavel BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 #11

Will this be televised in the USA? Dulcinea Jan 2026 #22

Probably it will be televised on CSPAN. mwooldri Jan 2026 #23

Agree with mwooldri BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 #25

"The right honorable gentleman is a jerk!" underpants Jan 2026 #31

... BumRushDaShow Jan 2026 #32

With Johnson, it'll be "ordure!" Harker Jan 2026 #35

Better yet Rebl2 Jan 2026 #41

Was just thinking the same thing sdfernando Jan 2026 #42

Would certainly... 2naSalit Jan 2026 #44

"Will you walk into my parlor said the spider to oasis Jan 2026 #12

Presumably he'll have to pry his lips from trump's ass first Orrex Jan 2026 #13

Maybe he will lecture the Brits on the evils of Charles Darwin bronxiteforever Jan 2026 #14

God damn it JustAnotherGen Jan 2026 #15

I just want to know if they are going to have question. Time. Ray Bruns Jan 2026 #16

Hmmm lonely bird Jan 2026 #17

There's just no end to America's humiliation. Paladin Jan 2026 #18

Erm, is this the bullpin where the elected officials in the seats are allowed to throw shade? Baitball Blogger Jan 2026 #19

Hope they boo him. Loudly. Vinca Jan 2026 #20

I won't say what I am thinking... OldBaldy1701E Jan 2026 #21

I think they allow members of the public in to watch. I hope he is heckled... IcyPeas Jan 2026 #24

I hope he studies a bit of "British English", ... JustABozoOnThisBus Jan 2026 #26

Can they yell snowybirdie Jan 2026 #27

This'll be fun. The UK press will have him for a snack. marble falls Jan 2026 #28

This is not The Onion or Borowitz??? bucolic_frolic Jan 2026 #29

Stupid ass Brits choie Jan 2026 #30

UK, lock the door! DO not let that traitor in. BradBo Jan 2026 #33

Hope they rip him to shreds. Scrivener7 Jan 2026 #34

He'll be booed. Joinfortmill Jan 2026 #36

he's one of those, barbtries Jan 2026 #38

at this moment, barbtries Jan 2026 #37

Apparently the UK government Miguelito Loveless Jan 2026 #39

Perhaps Larry the cat will recognize him for the vermin he is, and exterminate him. jls4561 Jan 2026 #40

Disgusting - shouldn't be allowed Smilo Jan 2026 #43

I think people here have very unrealistic expectations of the sorts of receptions even unpopular foreign figures receive Emrys Jan 2026 #45