When you see "George" in a headline, who do you think of? The no-longer-eligible bachelor, the boy who is third in line to the throne, or the man in charge of the nation's wallet?
The Mail's splash today says "George scraps pensions tax". It feels wrong, too chummy.
We're happy with George for Clooney or the Prince, but not for Osborne. Why? Because he's a politician? What about Boris?
Because there's more than one George so it could be confusing? There's more than one Ed.
Ah yes, Ed. We're happy enough with Ed for Miliband, but not for Balls.
Perhaps it's because of the count - as in Ken for Livingstone.
Or is it a sign of affection or at least familiarity? Maggie wasn't much shorter than Thatcher - and it was always Maggie, never Margaret: she was the Queen's sister.
How do these conventions become established? Nobody ever called Major "John" in a heading or Blair "Tony", but Brown was occasionally "Gordon". Cameron is "Dave" only when the sub is conveying a jeering tone.
Your thoughts would be welcome.
The Mail's splash today says "George scraps pensions tax". It feels wrong, too chummy.
We're happy with George for Clooney or the Prince, but not for Osborne. Why? Because he's a politician? What about Boris?
Because there's more than one George so it could be confusing? There's more than one Ed.
Ah yes, Ed. We're happy enough with Ed for Miliband, but not for Balls.
Perhaps it's because of the count - as in Ken for Livingstone.
Or is it a sign of affection or at least familiarity? Maggie wasn't much shorter than Thatcher - and it was always Maggie, never Margaret: she was the Queen's sister.
How do these conventions become established? Nobody ever called Major "John" in a heading or Blair "Tony", but Brown was occasionally "Gordon". Cameron is "Dave" only when the sub is conveying a jeering tone.
Your thoughts would be welcome.
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