What did we do before XXXX-gate?

[Katharine]

I have just heard a reference to Robinson-gate. It had me shouting at the radio. It left me with three questions:

a)How did we cope before Watergate?

b)What was the first use of the suffix after that?

c)Will researchers look for the water scandal when researching Nixon et al and then realise it was a complete name of a hotel (or even an hotel!)?

Any ideas? OK, pedants that's a fourth question!

[Angela Woodford]

I've got a little blast of memory of the first scandal I remember -

1963 "The Profumo Affair"

Can you imagine "Profumogate"? Not very stylish!

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

I agree, it is an unfortunate "Fashion"------

But quicker, I suppose than--------"The scandal of two double-seated MPs, who have totally dis-regarded the commonly understood rules, for declaration of "Interests"

[J.R.]

Apparently, Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman are in negotiations to make a film about the scandal !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

If there is any justice --- then the two MPs will have plenty of leisure time to advise on the film !

[englishangel]

erm...Anne Bancroft died in 2005

[Mid A 15]

There was a suggestion that Andrew Marr showed bias on the Politics Programme

Is that Marr -gate?

I'll get my coat. I think I'm turning into JR!

[J.R.]

erm...Anne Bancroft died in 2005

Poor old Mel Brooks. One of Hollywoods lasting marriages.

Might take a bit of time to produce the film, then !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

There was a suggestion that Andrew Marr showed bias on the Politics Programme

Is that Marr -gate?

I'll get my coat. I think I'm turning into JR!

I don't think JR wears a coat ------ it is probably more like a black cloak, with scarlet lining !

(In one easy lesson --- I can turn you into a first class Bat ! )

[J.R.]

There was a suggestion that Andrew Marr showed bias on the Politics Programme

Is that Marr -gate?

I'll get my coat. I think I'm turning into JR!

I don't think JR wears a coat ------ it is probably more like a black cloak, with scarlet lining !

(In one easy lesson --- I can turn you into a first class Bat ! )

AHEM - Usually a Dorking FC or Chelsea FC bench coat !

(I thank you !!)

[anniexf]

I can't answer your questions, Katharine, unless to suggest that "scandal" and "disgrace" were favourites, but I must tell you that I heard the term "beachballgate" used twice on the radio today. It seems that Liverpool FC have/has (pedants, please advise) never recovered from an illegal goal that was allowed against them earlier in the season. Apparently a beachball had been thrown onto the pitch and the football kicked by a member of the opposing team had been deflected off it past Liverpool's goalkeeper into the goal. Neither the referee nor his assistants had realised that this was a breach of the rules, so the goal stood. How very sad ....

[sejintenej]

so, back to the drawing board - where did our ancestors go before draughtsmen?



(note; NO draughtswomen - work that out)