butcher's apron

== English == === Alternative forms === Butcher's Apron === Etymology === The apron worn in a traditional butcher's shop often has blue and white stripes and may acquire red bloodstains in the course of the work, thus bearing a passing resemblance to the red, white, and blue design of the Union Jack. Metaphorically, the pejorative allusion is to the bloodshed blamed on British imperialism. === Noun === butcher's apron (plural butcher's aprons) (chiefly Ireland, derogatory) The Union Jack, as a symbol of oppressive British nationalism. ==== Usage notes ==== Usually used to denote the flag in general (as opposed to a specific physical flag) and hence in the singular and with the definite article.