Is the term ‘the gentleman’s family’ recognised in England? I have only ever heard it in Ireland, and only after I had become the co-creator of the gentleman’s family myself. Apparently, it’s having one child of each gender, of which the elder is a boy, and stopping there.
There’s seems to be a bit more etymology behind the term as well, judging by this chap’s blog post when he heard about the term and asked about its origin too.
I had no idea that the term had historical and religious connections. Other than the fact that the term is sexist and outdated, for me, it was about the idea that we’re having fewer kids these days, and if you produce one of each then you’re pretty much done.
Except that, I would imagine the son and daughter of a gentleman’s family would have liked a brother or sister respectively. As one of 3 boys, who’s married to a lady with a sister, I can attest to the merits of same sex ‘siblingness’.
Anyway, ’tis a moot point now.
Well, similar to your cited Blogger, I “really blew it” too!: 3 kids and all of them girls! Pah!
Still, I do love the etymology of that simple term, just a few words but steeped in a history of division, class, religious attitudes to sex & procreation and deliciously thumbing the nose at ‘The Man’. Love it 😆
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“Other than the fast that the term is sexist and outdated”
Sent from my iPhone
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Indeed 1perriwinkle, and thanks for commenting!
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Boy then a girl is a gentleman’s family – the best type to have.
Three girls is a ladies family.
I don’t really see how it’s sexist.
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Finally got round to correcting the typo referred to in 1perriwinkle’s comment, and also approving GentlemansFamilyFinances’ comment, although I’m not sure I agree with any of it!
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[…] rooms and it’s in a nice neighbourhood. It’ll be a shame to see them leave as they are a Gentleman’s Family like us with kids just a bit older. I’ve now spoken to a few people who know that we live nearby […]
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