The opposite of "Ladies and Gentlemen" would be "Whores and Scoundrels".

Showerthoughts@lemmy.world – 472 points – 11 months ago

Which sounds rad as fuck. Like how you'd open a speech for the Guild of Calamitous Intent.

I would also argue that "whores and scoundrels" is more inclusive. You can be either one regardless of your parts or gender identity.

After further ruminating on this thought:

Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a whore, and a scoundrel, and a rascal, a ne'er-do-well, and a villain… Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Guild of Calamitous Intent.

Don't you...forget about me..

Forget Reddit gold, this deserves a Lemmy Lemon.

Strumpets and Scoundrels sounds more high class and has better alliteration

Strumpets and Scallywags sounds even more high class and has even better alliteration.

My husband has served as an MC for a few fetish or counter-cultural events, and he likes to open with "Welcome, theydies and gentlethem!

Given the origin of the phrase was extremely classist in Britain. Probably peasants and surfs would be the opposite. Any form of commoner would not be a lady or a gentleman. So reminding people of that.

Though I'm sure the British would do it and I thoroughly British way, introducing Mr Bob and his wife Julia, and now introducing the gentleman lord von butterscotch and his lady affelia.

In the context you would know they were commoners cuz they didn't get the title lady or gentleman

One of my favorite insults is to exclude someone from these classes by simply saying their name afterwards:

"Good morning gentlemen, Steve."

Bitches & Bastards?

Viragos and rapscallions.