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Original poster

Can someone explain to me why Boris Johnson is referred to as ‘Boris’ and Sadiq Khan is referred to as ‘Khan’?

91 replies

652needtogetup · 02/05/2024 22:13

I’ve noticed not only on here but on social media too. I find it interesting that Boris Johnson is pretty much always called by his first name but Sadiq Khan is pretty much always called by his surname and actually ditto Keir Starmer.

OP posts:
Mischance · 02/05/2024 22:17

'Cos Boris is such a cute name, and he's such a cute guy that we all want to call him by his first name ..... where is the "finger-down-throat icon" when you need it?

Original poster
652needtogetup · 02/05/2024 22:19

he’s a terrible man for sure.

OP posts:
BoohooWoohoo · 02/05/2024 22:21

Do people say Rishi more often than Sunak ?

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KikiShaLeeBopDeBopBop · 02/05/2024 22:21

It's not just Sadiq Khan, most politicians tend to be known by their surnames - or their full name.

Boris being know as Boris is reflective of the lack of respect in which he's held by many, although I also think he embraced it as part of his 'genial, bumbling fool' con.

Rishi Sunak also gets referred to as Rishi a lot, noticeably more so since he lost respect as PM. Compare to Theresa May & David Cameron (May & Cameron respectively) or Tony Blair & Gordon Brown (Blair & Brown)

BobnLen · 02/05/2024 22:23

BoohooWoohoo · 02/05/2024 22:21

Do people say Rishi more often than Sunak ?

Yes they do, I was just thinking that.

Changingplace · 02/05/2024 22:23

I think the whole ‘Boris’ thing was a PR stunt, designed to make him seem approachable, the affable bloke people could connect with, it’s never ever been known for a Prime Minister to be referred to by the media/general public by their first name like that.

Not saying it worked, but that’s what I think was behind it.

Cazpar · 02/05/2024 22:24

Because "Boris" is friendlier and more amiable than "Johnson". It's a deliberate choice by the media.

If people called him Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (or just Johnson), people would realise more easily what a berk he really is.

WhatNext24 · 02/05/2024 22:24

I think the PM sometimes become known by a first name or nickname because they are such a familiar sight. Obviously not when it's David Cameron etc. because the name is so common, but we all know which Boris it is because he's the only one. Most other politicians seem to get called by surname or full name.

BrieHugger · 02/05/2024 22:24

Boris is his jolly hockey sticks nickname of sorts, I think it’s a middle name. Pretty sure his real friends and family call him Alex.

AGlinnerOfHope · 02/05/2024 22:24

Boris is an unusual name. The only other Boris widely known would be Boris Becker.

It’s also handy for media alliteration with Buffoon.

Isn’t Sadiq Kahn referred to by full name, then subsequently Kahn? Ditto Starmer?

Churchview · 02/05/2024 22:24

It's because Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is too much of a mouthful?

Damn fool forgot his ID when he went to vote today. Hoist by his own petard.

Original poster
652needtogetup · 02/05/2024 22:24

BoohooWoohoo · 02/05/2024 22:21

Do people say Rishi more often than Sunak ?

I was thinking about this and I’m going to say it’s pretty down the middle, although just remembering ‘Dishy Rishi’ which makes me want to vomit 🤮

OP posts:
scalt · 02/05/2024 22:24

What about "Call me Tony" Bliar? Did nobody call him "Tony" then?

BlackLambAndGreyFalcon · 02/05/2024 22:25

Changingplace · 02/05/2024 22:23

I think the whole ‘Boris’ thing was a PR stunt, designed to make him seem approachable, the affable bloke people could connect with, it’s never ever been known for a Prime Minister to be referred to by the media/general public by their first name like that.

Not saying it worked, but that’s what I think was behind it.

Especially as he's known as "Al" to his family!

WhatNext24 · 02/05/2024 22:26

Why 'Maggie' Thatcher?

Trainbother · 02/05/2024 22:27

Boris isn't even his really name. The whole thing is a caricature.

Cazpar · 02/05/2024 22:27

scalt · 02/05/2024 22:24

What about "Call me Tony" Bliar? Did nobody call him "Tony" then?

I mainly remember "Brown and Blair" from those days, but I was young when he came to power.

Original poster
652needtogetup · 02/05/2024 22:27

I’m not sure but actually struggling to think of a single labour MP who has ever been routinely referred to by their first name.

OP posts:
Churchview · 02/05/2024 22:28

Dave Cameron - a trick to make him seem a man of the people (and not a Bullingdon boy with a viscountess for a mother in law.)

MultiplaLight · 02/05/2024 22:30

Brown, Blair, Campbell, Major, Churchill all referred to by last names.

Saschka · 02/05/2024 22:32

scalt · 02/05/2024 22:24

What about "Call me Tony" Bliar? Did nobody call him "Tony" then?

Thought it was “call me Dave” Cameron? (nobody called him Dave)

Tony Blair was mostly called Blair, from memory. Not Tony.

Many people prefaced “Boris” with “that cunt”, so it wasn’t a mark of respect. I don’t think “Ready to Rish!!” is particularly complementary either honestly. More mocking.

Saschka · 02/05/2024 22:33

652needtogetup · 02/05/2024 22:27

I’m not sure but actually struggling to think of a single labour MP who has ever been routinely referred to by their first name.

Jezza. Again, wasn’t generally complementary.

Churchview · 02/05/2024 22:33

When Johnson came to Glastonbury they had to reschedule his route as the main road in was bedecked with a massive sign saying 'Go home you fat clown.'

The cuteness of Boris hasn't permeated Somerset.

SplendidRhododendronsDeirdre · 02/05/2024 22:34

I like the Grauniad’s Rish! because he’s such a joke

Forenames are used to denote lack of gravitas IMO

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