Modern Usage
In British, Canadian, Irish, Australian, New Zealand and South African English the back-formation pleb, along with the more recently derived adjectival form plebby, is used as a derogatory term for someone considered unsophisticated or uncultured. In September 2012, UK Conservative Party Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell was reported using the word in a tirade directed at police officers in Downing Street. He disputed the accusation, but intense media pressure forced him to offer his resignation on 20 October 2012.
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Famous quotes containing the words modern and/or usage:
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