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Greetings, I'm the proverbial "long time, first time" submitter, but have an inquiry for discussion, or better yet, answering. The phrase is "cloth-eared," which I'm led to believe is more commonly used in the U.K. I was told by a British ex-pat that it means, in her words, "thick," or unintelligent. At issue, of course, is the origin. Any help would be appreciated.
For those who've seen the UK comedy series "Fawlty Towers" starring John Cleese, they may recall the episode "The Builders", in which hotel owner Basil Fawlty (Cleese) exclaims to chambermaid Polly (played by Connie Booth, his real-life wife at the time): "Well, whose fault is it then, you cloth-eared bint?"
The Oxford English Dictionary has "cloth-eared" as "Adjective, British, informal: Unable to hear or understand clearly. Lacking skill, means, or opportunity to do something".
The phrase originates from Yorkshire, UK, and as already surmised is based on the premise that ears of cloth would prevent the entry of any sounds or understanding, leaving the subject dim-witted.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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