Auberon Waugh invented the phrase "the chattering classes" and kudos to him for that.
Theodore (the sagacious) Dalrymple coined the similar in meaning but far more vituperative word 'lumpenintelligentsia'; which I find deliciously descriptive and worthy of repeated use albeit with a minor amendment to: 'lumpentelligentsia'.
By using the suffix 'en' to replace the 'in' I believe the word flows more easily off the tongue (so to speak) without sacrificing the meaning or the power of the moderated venom.
Perhaps I should acknowledge a touch of Deconstructionist sleight-of-hand (which I generally despise), because the changing of spelling allows me to appropriate it a little more personally.
comments anyone!
"Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” C. S. Lewis
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