It is sad to note that we appear, according to my new dictionary/thesaurus, to live in an age of impropriety, boorishness and general discourtesy. That the greater portion of mankind has descended to the level of the loutish mob is deeply regrettable. Drunken lasciviousness, rampant hedonism and unconscionable carnality may be fun, oh yes, but can we really respect ourselves in the morning? There are certain standards and protocols that have become lost to us in this modern era of underage drinking, split crotch panties and salt and vinegar flavoured peanuts. I propose a return to these ideals, and to this end I would like to submit the following: examples of etiquette copied from a dated volume found whilst clearing out my grandfather's study. My hope is that society may be encouraged to readopt these principals, and that we may all be the better for it.
A gentleman must never expose himself before 4.30pm.
When late for a meeting it is considered polite to arrive dressed as a spaceman and riding a pig or small donkey.
People who live in odd numbered houses should retire to bed early on the third Tuesday in every month.
When inserting jam up a lady's nostrils, the considerate gentleman always warms the spoon.
Trousers should always be worn below the waist.
In the summer months, when it is excessively hot, a gentlemen may be excused a collar, but it is still considered extremely discourteous for him to roll up his carpets.
Widdling in your young niece's soup is not a sign of familiar affection.
When being slapped silly by an elderly aunt, it is considered sporting to let her have two or three good swings at you before you smack her in the mouth.
Audible farts should never be applauded, unless accompanied by a chorus of the national anthem.
Wind instruments should never be given on the occasion of an engagement, although a trumpet makes a perfectly adequate gift for a 21st birthday.
It is customary to seek the advice of a bishop before suspending a woman by her pigtails.
It is the height of bad manners to light one's cigar from a burning hat.
It is perfectly acceptable to skin cheeky Scottie dogs and use their pelts as a Davy Crockett hat.
At dinner parties it is considered impolite to sit in the middle of the table, stark bollock naked, ladling soup over oneself and whistling 'Land of Hope and Glory'. This sort of behaviour should be confined to the gentleman's club.
A gentleman never wears his hat in the bath.
Whilst abroad, a gentleman should never go swimming without a tie.
It is perfectly acceptable for a gentleman to headbut unruly children in the absence of their parents.
It is discourteous to belch in a built-up area after 7pm.
When meeting a lady for the first time, a gentleman's head should remain attached to his body at all times. Decapitation should be reserved for subsequent assignations, and then only when a close relative is in attendance to act as chaperone.
A respectable gent would never attend a lunch engagement wearing a chicken on his head. Such arrant tomfoolery is not tolerated by polite society, and it is not something that the chicken particularly looks forward to either.
Ramming a pool cue up your sister-in-law's nose is frowned upon in most parts of Greater Manchester.
and finally
Generally speaking, it is not considered suitable for a man of ambition to spend twenty years of his life sitting in a shed at the bottom of his garden, learning to lick his own elbows. So cut it out, okay?
Part 2 of this enlightening series can be found here at a later date ( If I can be bothered)
