"Salt of the earth"...

[cheeriosatdawn]

A notorious snob used this term to describe a friend of mine the other day, then feigned deep hurt and surprise that I didn't pretend to think it a compliment of sorts.

My take on that isn't due only to the phrase, but to the person who uttered it--and what I know she thinks of the woman she used it in reference to.

The speaker can be hideous. And is an elitist to the tips of her (unpolished because polish is deeply vulgar) fingers.

And I know she thinks the friend of mine she was referencing is her inferior.

But AIBU?

If you used the term "salt of the earth" to describe someone, what would you really be trying to say?

I think it is a compliment! I said earlier I wish I was one of those salt of the earth mothers who just manage about a million things at once & take it in their stride! An elderly man once complimented me by saying "you're a wee diamond, a right wee salt of the earth & they're rare hen" which I thought was lovely but maybe he didn't like me lol! (I am a carer)

To me it's a hardworking, working class, always there to help in an emergency, the type who pops in on elderly neighbours type person.
In my mind I see an image of Nurse Crane from call the Midwife!!

I don’t associate the term with “class” whatsoever.

I associate it with “down to earthiness”, bluntness and view of the world. Like if they’re forthright and honest with their opinions etc.