Can someone explain to me 'shabby gentile?'

[GUT]

I sometimes see elderly people in what I am sure are their church clothes. It is pretty apparent that they have worn the same outfit for many years, i.e., out of style and in not so great condition. Shabby genteel would describe it.

c.d.

yep

Sunday best that isnt too good anymore.

[c.d.]

I sometimes see elderly people in what I am sure are their church clothes. It is pretty apparent that they have worn the same outfit for many years, i.e., out of style and in not so great condition. Shabby genteel would describe it.

c.d.

[Pcdunn]

I
by a member of the Frankenstein family.

Resisting urge to retort "That's Franken-STEENE!" ala Young Frankenstein-- oh wait, I didn't, did I... ?

[Yabs]

There's a book written originally in 1840 called "a shabby genteel story"
If anyone feels inclined you can purchase a copy for as little as 1p

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0814781543/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465997231&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=a+shabby+genteel+story&dpPl=1&dpID=517qgvk52IL&ref=plSrch

[DJA]

http://monologues.co.uk/musichall/So...by-Genteel.htm

Can identify with that.

Abelard shirts,John Karindonous boots,Conte de Roma suits,designer ties,etc.
Picked up a strep infection in November 1982. Meh.

Just plain shabby these days.....captain tracky daks

[DJA]

Barnett was quite a common Anglicised name among Jews in the East End.

Missed the point.

Cheers and thanks for the input. Really.

[Robert]

http://monologues.co.uk/musichall/Songs-S/Shabby-Genteel.htm

[MrBarnett]

Barnett was quite a common Anglicised name among Jews in the East End.

[DJA]

And of course, it should be genteel, not gentile.

Ironically one of the courts off Fashion Street,possibly 6 Fashion Court,was home to a Barnett family in 1881. Jewish.

Than again,6 Fashion Street was supported by a member of the Frankenstein family.

[Vincenzo]

And of course, it should be genteel, not gentile.

Thanks for that. Lol

[Fisherman]

And of course, it should be genteel, not gentile.

Jew would know...

[MrBarnett]

And of course, it should be genteel, not gentile.

[DJA]

Sounds like GUT's long lost relative

[Fisherman]

Think Mr Micawber, before he left for Australia.

[Ben]

What GUT said, although I'd adjust slightly - the clothes were worth something before they fell on hard times, i.e. wearing and disrepair after being pawned several times over, most likely.