Ask Jen: Whigging Out Edition

Reader Eddie wants to know where the term "Whig" came from.

The name was a shortened form of "whiggamor" which meant "cattle driver" and was a derogatory term referring to Scottish Presbyterians who opposed King Charles I (who was later deposed and beheaded). The Whigs were mostly merchants and landowners who supported a strong Parliament, in contrast with the Tories who supported the King.

Do you have a question for me? You can e-mail it. If I know the answer, I'll answer it. If I don't, I might make something up.

Posted by Jennifer at January 27, 2004 12:16 PM

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