Young Fogeys
Young FogeysThey can be found cycling about England, wearing tweeds older than themselves, reading the novels of Evelyn Waugh and disapproving of things. They are dismayed at the possibility that British barristers and judges may abandon their traditional ceremonial wigs; what would Rumpole say to that? They are the Young Fogeys, who see no reason to wait for old age before becoming cranky and set in their ways.
"It is not a question of morals, but of manners. A man who is capable of killing with a knife is quite liable to eat with one."
George Sanders, A Scandal in Paris
There are certain historical personages who were active in furthering the causes of Chappism when it was still considered too radical a movement to openly ally oneself with. Those were the dark days of McCartneyism, when long-hairs and drug-addicted rock musicians persecuted those in possession of elegant clothes or trim moustaches. The Committee for the Investigation of Unbeatnik Activities drew up an extensive list, known as the 'Uncool List', of high-profile actors, musicians and artists. Anybody who enjoyed wearing well-pressed trousers, smoking a pipe and drinking Earl Grey tea, instead of snorting marijuana and fouling their flared trousers, was added to the list.
McCartneyism spread like a nasty virus throughout every branch of the arts, and it is fair to say that these industries suffered as a result.
from The Chap Manifesto
One of the gentleman's most treasured possessions is his game book in which he keeps a meticulous tally of everything he shoots or catches. This habit was so ingrained with one gentleman that when he decided to take his own life he was careful first to enter himself in the game book under 'various' before pressing the trigger.
-Douglas Sutherland, The English Gentleman
Brideshead Revisited: this TV miniseries, based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, is credited with largely inspiring the Young Fogey movement.
The Young Fogey Handbook: very difficult to find, but worth the search.
The Chap Magazine
"The Chap proposes to take a stand against this culture of vulgarity. We must show our
children that the things worth fighting for are not the latest plastic plimsolls but a shiny pair of brogues.
We must wean them off their alcopops and teach them how to mix martinis. Let the young not be ashamed of their flabby
paunches, which they try to hide in their nylon tracksuits - we shall show them how a well-tailored suit can disguise
the most ruined of bodies. Finally, let us capitalise on youth's love of peculiar argot Ð only replace their pidgin
ghetto-speak with fruity bons mots and dry witticisms."
Gents protest against 'vulgarity'
"By the end of the Brogue Camp at least some of our capital's citizens will have learned the rudiments of the arts of living graciously."
Young Fogeys Boston Brass jazz album
The English Gentleman
Dandies of Britain, your country needs you!
The Young Fogey's Agreeable World Blog
Rafal Heydel-Mankoo: Reflections of a Young Fogey; Fogey Rants, Reflections, Recollections, Remembrances and Reminiscences from a traditionalist High Tory perspective
Who knows, this could be the beginning of a trend. For the first time in my life, I'll conform.
I won't know what to do with myself. I'll have to start wearing hoopskirts in order to feel normal again.
Graphics from here.