LETTER : Likely yarn

Jonathan Cope
Monday 23 June 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: I fear that the origin of the expression "toe-rag" (Letters, 20 June) is altogether more literal - and horrible - than any previously described. I read the following passage from George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London only this morning:

Less than half the tramps actually bathed . . . but they all washed their faces and feet, and the horrid greasy little clouts known as toe-rags which they bind around their toes.

Their purpose, however, still remains unclear.

JONATHAN COPE

London SW16

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in