When did plonker become a part of vocabulary? Ithas to do with fasion, right? This is the roaring 20's and a lot of new words entired language everywhere. Or didn't that happen in the UK? I think the younger ones, even landed gentry would have picked up some things, though perhaps not this one.
And really, I don't think it much matters, it's just a fun movie and I can overlook these small things.
dmdemore
Web Site Owner
FIRTH ESSENCE
I don't see the word "plonker" as being a class issue. It's certainly correct for the period. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word is first used in print in 1917 as slang used by a soldier in the first world war - and was apparently popular slang at the time. It apparently had two popular revivals in the UK - the first in the mid sixties, and again in the mid-80's in relation to a UK TV show.
In the context of Easy Virtue - seems perfectly appropriate, since his father went to war, that the son might use the word in a cavalier context with a male friend.
I also noticed the review which questioned the use of the word and looked it up. I think they were wrong - it seems to be perfectly valid useage.
I hope that's helpful
No they certainly wouldn't, Dell Boy started it all....what a plonker!
shareWhat does plonker mean, if you dont mind me asking?
Marion: I don't feel like smiling.
Mr.Whittaker: You're English dear, fake it
A plonker is an idiot.
I'm anespeptic, frasmotic, even compunctuous to have caused you such pericumbobulations...
A gentle and humourous way of calling your mate a twit, dumm-ass or idiot when they've done something not particularly clever.
In NZ it's not used often but it's not offensive or particularly brutal.
I don't know how often it's used in the UK, or how 'mean' it is.
You probably wouldn't call a complete stranger a plonker though.