green-ink brigade

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. Collectively, those people who write letters to newspaper editors, politicians, etc., expressing eccentric views; the letters are often stereotyped as being lengthy, handwritten in green ink, and characterized by the frequent use of capital letters and underlining.

Pronunciation

/ˌɡɹiːn.ɪŋk bɹɪˈɡeɪd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-green-ink brigade.wav /ˌɡɹin.ɪŋk bɹɪˈɡeɪd/

Word forms

green-ink brigade the green-ink brigade green ink brigade

Etymology

Origin unknown. Since formal letters are usually written in black or blue ink, perhaps there is a suggestion that only eccentric people use green ink.

Synonyms

Related words

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