Why the British Conservative Party is Often Called the Tories

The term 'Tory' is a name that the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom has often been associated with, and it can be both a badge of pride and an insult, depending on the context. Let's delve into the origins and evolution of this term.

The Historical Origins of the Term 'Tory'

The word 'Tory' didn't emerge out of thin air; rather, it has deep historical roots, as we'll explore below.

History in the 17th Century

During the Exclusion Bill crisis of 1678-1681, the term 'Tory' originated as an insult. It was an anglicized version of the Gaelic word 'tóraidhe' meaning "bandit" or "outlaw," which in Middle Irish was 'tóraí'. This term was derived from the Irish language, where 'tóir' means 'pursuit'. The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'Tory' as a term once used for Roman Catholics and Royalists, which suggests a sharp political affiliation towards "old-fashioned" and traditional values.

The term 'Toraigh' is an infamous name for a part of Ireland infamous for banditry, and it was Anglicized to form 'Tory', portraying a negative stereotype of rural bandits or gunmen.

The Transformation into a Political Identity

From Insult to Political Identity

Over time, the term 'Tory' evolved from being a derogatory term to a less direct political descriptor. By the 18th century, 'Tory' began to be used in a political sense, indicative of those who were against drastic social and political reforms and favored the traditional powers of the monarchy and the landowning aristocracy.

The modern Conservative Party, as it stands today, traces its roots to the Tories of the 18th century. Although the Tories as an organized political force dissolved a long time ago, the term 'Tory' has endured as a political epithet. It is now most often used as an unthinking insult by people who are unaware of its historical usage and political connotations.

Modern Usage and Embracement

Adoption and Political Tactics

Interestingly, there have been instances where members of the Conservative Party have embraced the term 'Tory' as a badge of pride, especially in recent years. For example, Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent member of the Conservative Party, enjoys adopting 'Tory' affectations and reaping the rewards of the associated insults. This usage can be seen as a political tactic to position oneself as a defender of traditional and unyielding conservative values.

However, the term 'Tory' has evolved to mean those who are resistant to change and value tradition over innovation. Therefore, its use as an insult is prevalent among those who view the modern Conservative Party as being resistant to progressive or social changes.

Quora and the T-word Narrative

Online Usage and Perception

On platforms such as Quora, the misuse or overuse of the term 'Tory' or 'Tories' can often reveal the user's lack of knowledge or understanding. Quorians who use the term 'Tory' without understanding its historical context are typically perceived as overly prejudiced and resistant to reasoned argument. It’s best to ignore such users, but it’s also important to recognize that sometimes they are engaging in a common cultural practice without fully understanding its implications.

Cultural and Social Implications

Identity and Pride

Considering the origins of the term 'Tory', it is ironic that modern Conservative politicians might find it appropriate to embrace the word. It is reminiscent of how some religious groups have adopted names that were once derogatory, such as Methodist, which originally referred to the strict method of prayer but later became a badge of pride.

The modern usage of 'Tory' as a term of insult or pride highlights the complex relationship between language, political identity, and social context. While it serves as a badge of pride for some, it remains an unthinking insult to others.

Conclusion

The term 'Tory' today is a testament to the enduring power of language and its ability to shape political identities and perceptions. Whether embraced as a badge of pride or wielded as an insult, the word 'Tory' continues to resonate in the political discourse of the United Kingdom.