Tramps: Classic or Dud?

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

Yes, Emma, we can do this.

― Ally, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

You don't hear much about tramps anymore. When I was growing up the general idea was that they weren't to be worried about. They were just funny old men who had somehow chosen that lifestyle. And then the 80s came and suddenly there were homeless people everywhere and it was sad and everyone forgot about the tramps.

― Nick, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Hmmm. But people still refer to slutty women as tramps, you know. How did that come about, the morphing from tramps as homeless to tramps as loose women?

― Ally, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

In America, is there a difference between a bum and a tramp. 'Cause we don't have bums over here. Or asses. Except donkeys. And fannies. No, I'm losing my thread now.

― Nick, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Once, I was walking along the street, not looking where I was going and I tripped over a tramp. Fortunately, he saw the funny side of it but I was really appalled with myself, like, you get so used to them being there that you actually can't see them anymore. Needless to say, I gave him some money and stuff and in the end he seemed quite happy.

― jamesmichaelward, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Bums = tramps but we need to be referring to them as the homeless otherwise we are being offensive.

― Ally, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

i think Nick was making the point that 'tramps' aren't the same as 'the homeless'. i.e. tramps had chosen to live free from society's constraints, such as housing, employment, and, err, soap

― m jemmeson, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Couldnt Sinatra have fit some proper tramp descriptions into that song. I mean coming late to the theatre is hardly tramp material. Maybe if she came late because she was sleeping on the theatre doorstep drinking meths......but not just late. And "she doesn't bother with people she hates", oooh god, what a livewire, the brazen jezebel, what'll she do next

― Ronan Fitzgerald, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Yes, but my point is in reply to his question, i.e. are they different things in the US? They aren't.

― Ally, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I think it is offensive to call homeless people 'the homeless', like they are some kind of dehumanised mass.

― Nick, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

agreed. is there a better term?

― m jemmeson, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

When you put it like that.............it is offensive. But then isn't it the same with "the dead", "the living", "the blind" etc. Masses are perpetually dehumanised

― Ronan Fitzgerald, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

'Homeless people'

― Nick, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

How about 'human debris' or 'stinking drunks'

― dave q, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

This afternoon I am on a mission to tell everyone they are using offensive terminology. It will only stop when someone says accuses me of political correctness gone mad.

― Nick, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

But that's so common, why would anyone bother to comment?

― Lyra, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

The female ones charge a lot less than regular prostitutes do

― dave q, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

But everyone knows you're kidding.

― Ally, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

And me, I liked "Disco Inferno." Thanks, you're a great crowd.

― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Fuck! Ned stole my joke. But it's actually "Trampps". Or is it "Trammps"? Or "Trrammpps"?

― Kerry, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Ned stole my joke

Confirming I'm a thief, fitting in with the other thread! Success!

― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 23 August 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.