They come from a very respectable family?

Its a very Irish statement Imo.

You every here barristers using it when defending someone, yet its very had to define.

So how would you define it

I know i'll get all the cynical answers here,

starbelgrade

Respectable family = they have money.

bullpost

I'd say its a euphemism for non career criminals.

mariaalice wrote: »

Its a very Irish statement Imo.

You every here barristers using it when defending someone, yet its very had to define.

So how would you define it

I know i'll get all the cynical answers here,

py2006

Its not exactly cryptic.

A genuine, hard working family!

Buceph

If you're using it in the court-room, give him a lighter sentence meaning, it's anyone who doesn't come from a disadvantaged background (which is also used with the "give him a lighter sentence" meaning.)

Respectable family is single use though. Disadvantaged background isn't as powerful but can be used multiple times.


Basically, if you get arrested and charged with something and your Mammy gives out to you, you're from a respectable family. If she laughs at your mad exploits and asks which pig arrested you, you're from a disadvantaged background.

Its something that my mother says about some families and it has nothing to do with money.

bijapos

starbelgrade wrote: »

Respectable family = they have money.

Sure, but its rarely questioned how they got their money. Two of the most "respectable" families in the small town where I grew up got their money in the building game in the UK in the 70's and 80's by essentially not paying people. Came back here and continued the same thing.

Another former headmaster was "very respected locally". He was a known thug in the national school where he taught for years. My mother used to be afraid of him when she was in her fifties.

Not very respectable when you think of it.

Its generally a load of crap spouted by solicitors to try to get the best for the client and is so overused its laughable.

Frank Black

It's the opposite of 'being known to the Gardai'

El Sorab

mariaalice wrote: »

Its a very Irish statement Imo.

Its very English tbh. When I read the thread title I first imagined in English person saying that and it suited them well.

Irish people might use it, but its not something I'd associate with Ireland or as an Irish saying. England is also a more class based society

biko

You only hear barristers using it?

It's common in all English speaking countries. For instance
http://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&q=very+respectable+family+site:.in

The King of Moo

It means the defendant is rich and should therefore be given a lighter sentence. I've never heard it used in another way, like to comment on the character of anyone in the family.

I remember years ago there was a high profile case of a serial sexual assaulter, and his lawyer said he should be shown clemency as he was "from a respectable family" which in this case could only possibly have meant they were rich.

It's such a horrible, Irish thing to do.

py2006

Eh guys, I don't think money has anything to do with it.

Princess Peach

I've had people say it to me before about my family. We don't really have a lot of money, and my parents have regular jobs.

My parents are, and my grandparents were very active in the community. My granparents were in politics. My parents are very helpful to everyone they know and are very popular in the town.

Last time I heard it was when I was getting in trouble in work

Caraville

Yeah i don't think it has anything to do with money either. It means genuine people who work hard and get on with people around them. Haven't been in trouble with the law and don't bother others.

The_Minister

Some families, everyone is a criminal.
Other families, no one is.

Some families, they don't care what you do to other people.
Other families, care a lot, and will discipline the offender.

Some families, you can be guarenteed that they will offend again.
Other families, will never let their member forget and repeat their mistake.

starbelgrade

The_Minister wrote: »

Some families, everyone is a criminal.
Other families, no one is.

Some families, they don't care what you do to other people.
Other families, care a lot, and will discipline the offender.

Some families, you can be guarenteed that they will offend again.
Other families, will never let their member forget and repeat their mistake.

And some girls mothers are bigger than other girl's mothers.

It just means a good family. Successful children, good parents, probably some involvement in the community through sport etc.

Ticktactoe

Respectable family =
Works for a living
Educated
Never in trouble with the law
Respected by people around them
Not necessarily rich but has enough money to provide for themselves

Thats what i would take it to mean.

stovelid

Where I was brought up it means none of their kids have been in jail.

alejandro1977

mariaalice wrote: »

Its a very Irish statement Imo.

You haven't lived abroad so?

mackg

I would have understood it to mean that they would be considered the wayward child and their behaviour would be different to how their siblings/parents/extended family would behave.

admiralofthefleet

starbelgrade wrote: »

Respectable family = they have money.

money doesnt make you respectable, good rearing does and you dont need money for that

Honey-ec

To me, a respectable family is:

Hardworking
Sends their kids to school
Teaches their kids manners
Pays their taxes
Generally engages with society

Nothing whatsoever to do with money.