You know, you can make a small mistake in language or etiquette in Britain, or you could when I was younger, and really be made to feel it, and it's the flick of a lash, but it would sting, and especially at school where there's not much privacy, and so on. You could, yes, undoubtedly be made to feel crushed.

Summary

This quote highlights the power of social norms and the potential impact of even minor errors in language or etiquette in British society. The speaker reflects that in their youth, a small mistake could elicit a strong negative response, comparable to being struck by a lash. This experience was particularly intensified in the public setting of school, where privacy was limited, and the repercussions of such mistakes could be emotionally crushing. It underscores the sensitivity and vulnerability individuals may face when navigating social dynamics and pressures in certain cultural contexts.

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