Random synaptic discharge
Let me see if I get this right: putting "R" after a politician's name in the US indicates that they are Republican. Seems simple enough.
In the Royal Navy of yore (specifically 18th/19th Century) placing "R" after a man's name meant that he had "run", or deserted.
Oh this is too easy!
posted by Mentis Fugit @ 5:12 pm
4 comments
4 Comments:
Mentis, you always know such interesting historical tidbits. I love it! Historical reading is great; so much to know about, so little time to read.
Actually, that just happens to be an era I have a particular interest in.
At other times, the internets are your friends, and all you need is a vague recollection of some pertinent (or impertinent) trivium before you hit Google to verify your facts.
Oy. The insight fascinates. More R trivia is um required.
I really should have added that a "D" meant "discharged". In the days when the word "press" was followed by the word "gang" rather than preceded by the words "talking", "point", and "reciting", that meant discharged into either another ship or to a hospital. In other words, a "D" after your name meant you continued to serve or could no longer serve.
"DD", on the other hand, was "discharged dead".
Post a Comment
<< Home