This cartoon by Andy Davey from The Sun relates to David Cameron's revelation during a Downing Street reception for London’s Men’s Fashion Week that his pants are from Marks and Spencer. The Sun claims that Cameron's admission is "a bid to convince Brits he is really a man of the people" and notes that "the PM’s choice of underwear is a far cry from his predecessor Tony Blair who preferred to don swanky Calvin Klein boxers", adding that "it brings back memories of former Tory PM John Major who was mocked for wearing dull Y-front briefs" (as in this Steve Bell cartoon).
THE CARTOON
Somewhere in London (note "the Gherkin"), an advertising executive is pitching (i.e., presenting) a pants ad featuring David Cameron to some Marks and Spencer executives. One of them comments, "I think I preferred Twiggy".
EXPLANATION
Twiggy is the nickname of Lesley Hornby, an English fashion model who rose to fame in the nineteen-sixties. She was first recruited by M&S in 2005 to front its ad campaigns and instantly helped boost profits. Last year, after almost seven years modelling the clothes, Twiggy, now 63, turned her hand to designing, creating a 47-piece collection for the high street retailer.
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VOCABULARY
1. In the advertising industry, a pitch is when an advertising agency is trying to win the business to represent a product. Several agencies will probably be attempting to get the contract (or 'account') and have to go through a pitch process - they send in written details, then some are shortlisted to make a presentation (or 'pitch' to the company). This may include examples of ads, creative ideas such as artwork and slogans, etc.
2. In Britain pants (or underpants) are what you wear under your trousers, while Americans use the word pants to mean trousers. In the cartoon, the PM is modelling a pair of Y-fronts (men's underpants having a front opening within an inverted Y shape). See here for a detailed discussion of the language relating to pants and trousers.
ALSO SEE
• 'Blame Sam for my style crimes!' (Daily Mail)
