God-Save-the-Kinger

English

Etymology

From God Save the King +‎ -er.

Noun

God-Save-the-Kinger (plural God-Save-the-Kingers)

1. (derogatory) An outspoken supporter of the British Government when the monarch is a king.
   • 1920, Australia. Parliament, Parliamentary Debates: Senate and House of Representatives:

     The Bill does not deal with Germans only, it deals with all aliens, including those whom our friends opposite – the flag-waggers, the band players, the God-save-the-Kingers — spoke of as “our brother Allies.”

   • 1972, James Plunkett, The Gems She Wore: A Book of Irish Places, page 35:

     Protestants, generally speaking, were God-save-the-Kingers and went to Mass in the afternoon or the night instead of in the morning.

   • 1979, Dervla Murphy, Wheels Within Wheels, page 29:

     But the situation is not without its humorous side; it is delightful to listen to the former red-white-and-blue people -- the bigoted Unionists-- the erstwhile 'God Save the Kingers', expressing their views on the present régime.