Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2024 July 1

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July 1

"Pearl-clutching"

Where does the expression "pearl-clutching" come from? Lizardcreator (talk) 00:59, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

Before looking it up: when one wears a pearl necklace. it rests in a prime position to be clutched if one brings their hand to their neck or clavicle area, which is a common gesture when flummoxed or offended.

After looking it up: yup. Remsense诉 01:01, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

Wow, thanks for the quick reply! Consider me impressed. Lizardcreator (talk) 01:30, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

This could have been found on Wiktionary: Wiktionary:pearl-clutching#Etymology.  --Lambiam 08:53, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

I find that it is most often used to describe people who would also be described as "busy-bodies" or "biddies". People whose shock and outrage is more for show than real and is often a hypocritical cover for their own bad behavior. --User:Khajidha (talk) (contributions) 11:57, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

I suppose that this is inferred by the sort of person likely to wear a string of pearls; Hyacinth Bucket springs to mind. Alansplodge (talk) 16:38, 1 July 2024 (UTC)

I also associate strings of pearls with rather vampy, femme fatale types. Hardly a description that applies to Hyacinth. --User:Khajidha (talk) (contributions) 14:39, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

That said, the stereotype is for ladies of a certain age and social standing, even though some vamps may occasionally wear pearls. That is who the saying applies to. Xuxl (talk) 14:48, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

For me it's Margaret Dumont. —Tamfang (talk) 21:16, 5 July 2024 (UTC)

"Marry me, and I'll never look at another horse!" MinorProphet (talk) 23:12, 5 July 2024 (UTC)