Why do people say "send them to Coventry"?
People say "send them to Coventry" to mean that someone is being deliberately ostracised or ignored. This intriguing phrase has its roots in the tumultuous 17th-century English Civil War.
The Historical Origin
The expression originates from a specific punishment during the English Civil War, a period of conflict between Royalists supporting King Charles I and Parliamentarians.
During this time:
- Coventry as a Stronghold: The city of Coventry was a staunch stronghold for the Parliamentarian forces.
- Royalist Prisoners: When Royalist soldiers, who were widely despised by the Parliamentarians and the local populace, were captured, they were often sent to Coventry.
- The Intent: The reason for sending them to Coventry was not for harsh physical punishment but to ensure they would be completely isolated and ignored. It was believed that in this hostile environment, the King's soldiers would be deliberately shunned by everyone.
This historical practice of sending unwanted or disliked individuals to a place where they would be deliberately overlooked gradually evolved into the common idiom we use today.
Understanding the Phrase Today
Today, "sending someone to Coventry" signifies a collective act of shunning, exclusion, or deliberately refusing to speak to or acknowledge a person. It can occur in various social settings, from personal relationships to professional environments.
Here’s a summary of its core aspects:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Meaning | To deliberately ostracise, ignore, or refuse to speak to someone. |
| Historical Origin | 17th-century English Civil War. |
| Context | Royalist prisoners were sent to Coventry, a Parliamentary stronghold. |
| Purpose | To ensure they were thoroughly ignored and shunned by the hostile local population. |
Practical Examples of Being "Sent to Coventry"
While the phrase's origin is historical, its application remains relevant in modern social dynamics. Examples include:
- Workplace: A team might collectively stop inviting a colleague to lunch or excluding them from conversations after a disagreement.
- School: A group of friends might decide to ignore a peer after a falling out, refusing to acknowledge their presence.
- Social Groups: In a club or association, members might deliberately exclude someone from activities or discussions as a form of silent protest or disapproval.
In essence, whether historical or contemporary, the core idea remains the same: a powerful, non-verbal form of social exclusion.
