> It took another fifty years for the definition of a gentlemen to change to exclude people who got roaring drunk and pissed in the fireplace in the name of hospitality. On the contrary, providing the above is done with panache it would pass quite well here..... *Never* whilst wearing White Tie though. I'm British if you hadn't guessed :-)
What does the “white tie” bit mean? Is it just that this is some sign of “new money” or laddish-ness, or is there some other significance? I’m not being presumptuous or accusing you of anything, I really genuinely do not know and it sounds like it could be interesting :-)
Black Tie ("Tuxedo" to use the Americanism) is semi-formal. A dinner jacket and a black bow tie *never* with a winged collar.
Whilst White Tie events are very formal, at a Black Tie event, one may still drink, puke and shag, provided it is done with style.