Might have something to do with the royal we.

During Victoria's reign, things Australian and African were much in vogue. One time Vicky and all the ladies in her court dressed up to look like ostriches for a costume party.

A male member of the court mentioned to the Victoria that he thought they made absolutely stunning emus. Vicky drew herself up to her full height, which wasn't much, and looked down at the courtier haughtily and intoned those historical words: "We are not emus."

Of course this has nothing to do with the discussion at hand, but I can never resist even the remotest opportunity to tell that story.


TEd