In last night’s Downton Abbey Robert says he doesn’t want his granddaughter to be a “left-footer.” That was a Catholic slur I’d never heard, though it was apparent it was derogatory.
I found the explanation on this website, Glesca Pals.
Halfway down the page it explains that Irish Catholics used spades that had a foot rest for the left foot. Protestants used a different kind of spade.
smkelly8
Feb 04, 2013 @ 14:36:40
Thank you for doing the research! I heard it last night also but had no idea what it meant. All I could think of was our version of left i.e. liberal which made no sense! I wanted to cheer when the Downton Abbey ladies refused to leave the luncheon! Maggie Smith has the best zingers. I need to be taking notes.
Feb 04, 2013 @ 20:50:09
Last night the Dowager was at her best. She really is a leader who elegantly works behind the scenes. I was happy that Ethel’s meal turned out so well.
Feb 04, 2013 @ 21:02:39
Yes, the Dowager was at her best. And I was glad that the head cook (can’t remember her name right now) was willing to help Ethel. Times are changing for them just as our times are changing.
Feb 05, 2013 @ 10:51:13
The cook is Mrs. Pattmore. The actress who plays her was recently on Chicago Tonight and mentioned she’d asked Julian Fellows to supply Mrs. Pattmore with some “male attention.” I’m not sure when we can expect to see her admirer.