Perfectly Dweadful. Punch. 27 September 1856, page 124.
Guard. "Now, Sir! If you're going on by the Express. Here's just Room for One!"
Tourist. "Wha-t! Get in with hawwid old Women, and Squeeming Children! By Jove! You know! I say! It's Intawible, you know!"
The tourist's pronunciation — what might to us appear a speech impediment — is mocking a particular kind of upper-class pronunciation rather than casting doubt on his heterosexuality. His plaid blanket and tam-o-shanter hat suggests he's heading for Scotland. [Scanned image (from a volume in the Athenæum Club Library) and text by George P. Landow This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose.]
Last modified 3 September 2007