Barometer | 9 May 2013

Four kinds of nonsense

Lord Lawson accused Nick Clegg of talking ‘poppycock’ on Europe. What are we really saying when we accuse people of talking nonsense?
Poppycock From old Dutch word for ‘soft dung’.
Codswallop Unknown, but said by some to come from a non-alcoholic beer (or ‘wallop’) brewed by Hiram Codd in the 19th century.
Balderdash Unknown, but already in use in 17th century as a term for a poorly mixed cocktail of drinks.
Bunkum From Buncombe County, North Carolina, on whose behalf Felix Walker made a poorly delivered speech in the House of Representatives in 1820.

Class divide

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Cristina Odone

Parents are asking too much of teachers

Lord Winston said he prefers to employ people with upper second-class degrees than with first-class degrees. Does getting a first help your career?
Compared with someone with two A-levels:
— A graduate with a first is 2.8% more likely to be employed and will earn, on average, an extra £143,997 in their career.