The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The Top 10: Entries in the Dictionary of Notional Biography
From Sortie de Camions, the French 17th-century mystic, to Helvetica Bold, purveyor of discreet adult services to the gentry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fine idea suggested by Peter Metcalfe, who offered the first three.
1. Sortie de Camions, French 17th-century mystic
2. Tetanus Booster, Southern US Senator
3. Hertz Van Rental, 17th-century Dutch painter
4. Hong Kong, younger brother of the misunderstood oversized gorilla playboy (nominated by James)
5. Morden Via Bank, South African actor. Mainly played aristocrats in German horror films of the 1920s (according to Jim Parr)
6. Ambre Solaire, glamorous 1930s French film actress (James again)
7. Helvetica Bold, purveyor of discreet adult services to the gentry (Thanks to Tom Doran)
8. Stella Artois, Brummy gal who married into the French aristocracy in exile in the late 18th century (A third contribution from James)
9. Chilcot Tribunal, star quarterback for Ohio State Buckeyes football team (James’s fourth)
10. Cédez le Passage. “I always expect to see a burlesque dancer when I approach a roundabout in France,” says Anne Giegerich.
An honourable mention for John Peters, who nominated Arafwch Nawr, Welsh tenor (It is a common road sign in Wales, meaning “reduce speed now”.)
Next week: Conspiracy theories, after some Jeremy Corbyn supporters claimed the attempt to unseat him was timed to prevent his responding to the Chilcot report next week
Coming soon: Modern proverbs, such as “truth is stranger than Photoshop”
Your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, in the comments please, or to me on Twitter, or by email to top10@independent.co.uk. Listellany: A Miscellany of Very British Top Tens, From Politics to Pop, is available as an e-book for £3.79.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments