The UK...For Our US Members

[exchemist]

My biggest peeve is when people conflate Europe and the European Union.

In the British press that's become really common since Brexit. It annoys me, as you can imagine.

But it seems to be a real way of thinking among the Brexitty Right in the Tory party. They actually seem to think the British Isles are not part of Europe, whether geographically, culturally, economically or politically. How else to explain the obsession with a US trade deal (which shows no signs of materialising) or most recently the despicable notion of renouncing the European Convention on Human Rights? Quite mad.

 

[ChristineM]

I'm not familiar with this phrase, but I won't even try to guess as to what it means.

Craic, krak or crack is a colloquial Irish term for gossip, fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation.

 

[exchemist]

True. But then north of Watford Gap there's no gas or electricity.

As a Sarf Londoner I always feel that when I reach Islington I am entering a foreign country.

But paradoxically when I get to Watford Gap I feel I am out of London's gravity well and feel a sense of release.

 

[RestlessSoul]

True. But then north of Watford Gap there's no gas or electricity.

Technically, anywhere beyond the M25 is “The North.” This includes Cornwall and the Isle of Wight

 

[Altfish]

The UK also has one of the worst electoral systems - almost as bad as the US's

 

[rocala]

The UK also has one of the worst electoral systems - almost as bad as the US's

I have noticed that for many years, particularly whenever I look at the election winners.

 

[Stevicus]

The “crack” is humour,like jokes and having fun,it’s a term used in Ireland.

Okay, I see. Kind of like how we say "crack a joke."

 

[England my lionheart]

Okay, I see. Kind of like how we say "crack a joke."

Or “I’m just pulling your leg” like tell a story that funny but not true.

 

[Augustus]

I admit I tend to conflate Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Though I think the former is more of a cultural term and the latter is more about actual political boundaries.

No one really makes a distinction between the terms in normal usage.

Even in Northern Ireland, at least among those of a certain political persuasion, a common refrain is "Ulster is British", which is perhaps more snappy than "Ulster is a key constituent part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"

 

[Augustus]

the full name of the UK is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Which is the longest country name in the world. That certainly puts the Great in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and makes up for any other failings real or imagined!

We're still #1. Take that other countries of the world! Know your place in the shadow