Normal Island

English

Proper noun

Normal Island

1. (UK Internet slang, derogatory, ironic) Great Britain.
   • [2021 November 25, Des Fitzgerald, “Normal Island: COVID-19, Border Control, and Viral Nationalism in UK Public Health Discourse”, in Sociological Research Online, volume 28, number 2, →DOI:

     The phrase ‘normal island’ has lately become a staple of UK social media discourse; it marks a weary dissent from the sometimes comically jingoist and authoritarian tendencies that animate so much public debate in contemporary Britain.]

   • 2021 December 8, Ruby Lott-Lavigna, “Normal Island: UK Loses It Over ‘Illegal’ Christmas Party at Boris Johnson’s House”, in Vice
   • 2022 September 15, Marc Burrows, “For those of us who are neither monarchists nor republicans, this is the strangest time”, in New Statesman:

     “Just another normal day here on Normal Island,” people observe, nodding at the respectful closure of Legoland or the mournfully closed cycle racks in Norwich.

   • 2023 May 6, Dayna McAlpine, “Yup, A Gold Carriage In A Cost Of Living Crisis Is A Different Level Of Bad Taste”, in HuffPost UK:

     As the publication explained, the £100million spent on the coronation could’ve paid for a £38,000 donation to every single food bank in the UK. / Another day on normal island.

Usage notes

• Generally used in left-wing commentary, highlighting everyday behaviour seen by the commentator as unacceptable.

Related terms

• TERF Island