Colonists in the 1760/70s targeted the popular, luxury item tea for political reasons. Eventually anyone who had anything to do with tea was publicly shamed and harassed for it, even patriots and moderates.

In 1767 tea became a focal point of colonial resistance to British authority. By 1775 it had practically become a complete boycott of not just British tea, but even smuggled foreign tea. Anyone who sold or drank tea, no matter their political views, was a target of resentment. A lesson for our day?

In the lead up to the American War of Independence colonists focused their opposition to a tyrannical government by vilifying a popular, luxury product. Perhaps a model for us today? And it even starts with “T”!

I had a great (and freezing) experience yesterday at the 250th anniversary and reenactment of the raid on Fort William and Mary, Portsmouth, NH on December 14–15, 1774. I participated as a civilian onlooker and had some great chats with various guests about these lesser-known events of 1774.

Walker (1791) has /ˈnɛv.ju/. I wonder how long it stuck around? I remember in drama school it was encouraged for usage in period British plays.