Mr Malcolm Butler writes:
I noticed a small error in the discussion about flags; more specifically, Mr Fry's comment that the Union Flag can only be called the Union Jack when it is flown on a ship.
While I cannot deny that the Union Jack is a jack when flown from the jackstaff of a ship, the term Union Jack is probably not derived from that usage. One possibility is that it is named after King James VI, who designed the flag in 1606; Jack being one shortening of James.
An Elf writes:
If I can take your quibble in two parts. First of all the fact the etymology of "union jack." We are aware of the various different theories as to the origins of the phrase "union jack" and decided to go with the one given by the Oxford English Dictionary - that it is flown as the "jack of a ship" - The idea that it is named after James I seemed the least likely of the possible theories, firstly James did not personally design the flag, it was one of a number of designs submitted by one or more now-anonymous artists, secondly the earliest reference to the word is from 1674, 50 years after James's death, and finally because Jack more usually associated with the name "John" than "James." (another perhaps even wilder theory is that it comes from the "jack-ets" of English or Scottish soldiers.)
However, the second part of your quibble I agree with. While some pedants might say that traditionally the flag should only be flown at sea - that is certainly what was originally intended - you are right to say that a parliamentary statement confirmed that the common usage is also correct. Therefore, we must add your quibble to the list of retractions that may well make their way onto future dvd extras should the series ever make it onto that format.
Quibble Qualified
Sources:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/OutPut/Page5017.asp
http://www.know-britain.com/general/union_jack.html
OED
The Union Jack - Nick Groom
Do you have a bone to pick with QI? Contact us on elves@qi.com
I noticed a small error in the discussion about flags; more specifically, Mr Fry's comment that the Union Flag can only be called the Union Jack when it is flown on a ship.
While I cannot deny that the Union Jack is a jack when flown from the jackstaff of a ship, the term Union Jack is probably not derived from that usage. One possibility is that it is named after King James VI, who designed the flag in 1606; Jack being one shortening of James.
An Elf writes:
If I can take your quibble in two parts. First of all the fact the etymology of "union jack." We are aware of the various different theories as to the origins of the phrase "union jack" and decided to go with the one given by the Oxford English Dictionary - that it is flown as the "jack of a ship" - The idea that it is named after James I seemed the least likely of the possible theories, firstly James did not personally design the flag, it was one of a number of designs submitted by one or more now-anonymous artists, secondly the earliest reference to the word is from 1674, 50 years after James's death, and finally because Jack more usually associated with the name "John" than "James." (another perhaps even wilder theory is that it comes from the "jack-ets" of English or Scottish soldiers.)
However, the second part of your quibble I agree with. While some pedants might say that traditionally the flag should only be flown at sea - that is certainly what was originally intended - you are right to say that a parliamentary statement confirmed that the common usage is also correct. Therefore, we must add your quibble to the list of retractions that may well make their way onto future dvd extras should the series ever make it onto that format.
Quibble Qualified
Sources:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/OutPut/Page5017.asp
http://www.know-britain.com/general/union_jack.html
OED
The Union Jack - Nick Groom
Do you have a bone to pick with QI? Contact us on elves@qi.com
Surely someone from QI didn't just spell designs with two i's and no e? Tut tut
**amindid, thanks**
Actually, I remember being told that in school. That originally it was called the Union Flag and it was called the Union Jack only when flown at sea...
The British 'Union Jack' is the name given to the Royal Navy's Admiral's Flag. It is flown from the Jack Staff' of a ship when not at sea.
It is illegal for a merchant ship or private yacht to fly a 'Union Jack'.
A slight digression, but I also believe that as long as you fly the 'Union Flag' you do not need planning permission to erect a flag pole on a land based building..... or any other building.. CJE
Jack may be more usually associated with the name "John" than "James," but incorrectly.
The French for James is Jacques
The Italian is Giacomo.
There's a statue of James II in Trafalgar Square with the Latin name Jacobus Secundus,.
This doesn't mean the rest of the theory is any more correct, of course.
CJE, its not just the union jack, but any national flag being flown from a flagpole either attached to a building or freestanding pole within the curtilage (though issues of height do come into play). Anything other than a national flag - i.e. a jolly roger/rainbow/ - would be deemed to be advertising and therefore would require consent.
The Union flag is indeed only referred to as a Union jack when flying from the jack staff of a Royal Navy warship, but not at sea! Only when the first rope hits the jetty or when at anchor can the flag be hoisted. The flag flown from the yard arm when at sea is the white Ensign. The common, yet wrong use of the term Union jack is more likely due to the integration of many Naval terms/jack speak, into everyday civilian life (to be taught the ropes. son of a gun. shake a leg. etc.)
I have yet another minor quibble. When the queen is is residence at Buck Pal a flag is indeed flown. It is not, however, a Royal Standard. There is a significant difference between a banner and a standard, as is discussed by Britannica (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/262552/heraldry/8834/Banners-and-standards). Standrds are tapered for one thing.
Heraldically it is more appropriate to call it a banner because it is the design used in the shield of the full acheivement but on a rectangular flag
are you sure as i want to put a union flag on my building in london