What is a silk in British slang?
Asked by: Reuben Wilderman | Last update: October 12, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)
Queen's Counsel is a status, conferred by the Crown, which is recognised by courts. Members have the privilege of sitting within the Bar of court. As members can wear silk gowns of a particular design, the award of Queen's Counsel is known informally as taking silk, and hence QCs are often colloquially called silks.
What is a silk in the UK?
King's Counsel, or 'Silks' are elite barristers or advocates in the UK legal profession who have been selected for their exceptional knowledge, experience, and expertise. They have officially been appointed by The King on the advice of the Lord Chancellor.
What does getting silk mean in the UK?
A limited number of senior barristers receive 'silk' - becoming King's Counsel - as a mark of outstanding ability. They are normally instructed in very serious or complex cases. Most senior judges once practised as KCs. Those barristers who 'took silk' during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II were Queen's Counsel (QC).
What is silk to a barrister?
A Silk in the British legal system is a lawyer or barrister of high rank appointed by the queen or king to honorific title recognized by the court system to work in the name of the monarchy. The term originates from the silk garment worn by the person that assumes this position.
What is the meaning of silk in English?
1. : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons. especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles. 2. : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments.
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What does silk mean in slang?
Someone "being silky" would mean that they that are silk-like somehow, such as being flawless, smooth, or seductive/persuasive. In slang the meaning can be stretched to something that "goes with the grain" (i.e. smoothly fitting in — someone could be silky if they adhere to mainstream culture).
What do silk refer to?
silk, animal fibre produced by certain insects and arachnids as building material for cocoons and webs, some of which can be used to make fine fabrics.
What is the colloquial term for Queen's Council lawyers?
It is worth to add that Queen's Counsel gown gives rise to the colloquial reference to them as “silks” and to the phrase “taking silk” referring to their appointment.
Why are British lawyers called barristers?
Barristers are basically lawyers who take cases to trial, and the only kind authorized to work in Britain's High Courts. The word originated in the organization of medieval law schools, which had a physical bar that separated novice students from lecturers and more advanced students.
What happens on Silks Day?
Silks day involves a ceremony at Westminster before The Lord Chancellor and another at the Royal Courts of Justice before The Lord Chief Justice and all the presiders. You are asked “do you move” and you do – to the front row – and to the beginning of a new stage of your career.
What does hit the silk mean in slang?
hit the silk, Slang. to parachute from an aircraft; bail out.
How much do barristers earn in the UK?
Self-employed barristers with more than ten years' experience earn between £100,000 to £300,000 depending on their area of practice. A small percentage of barristers at the top end of the profession earn between £500,000 to £1million. Employed barristers can expect to earn from £90,000 to in excess of £150,000.
What is becoming a silk?
Silk - taking Silk ie, becoming a Queen's Counsel or latterly a King's Counsel - a better standard of legal representation for clients. ( they charge a lot more too).
Is silk the same as Duchess?
For one, duchess satin is heavier, stiffer, and has less lustre than standard satin. It can be dyed solid colours, and is used for formal dresses. On the other hand, standard silk satin is smoother, repels moisture better, and is frequently used for bed linens due to its flexibility and silky texture.
Why is it called the silk?
The Silk Road was a vast trade network connecting Eurasia and North Africa via land and sea routes. The Silk Road earned its name from Chinese silk, a highly valued commodity that merchants transported along these trade networks.
What is a silk press UK?
You see, a silk press is essentially a very thorough hair straightening process created only with heat. If you lead an active lifestyle it's probably going to sweat out quicker than if you sit still all day and never get hot or sweaty.
Why do we say "called to the bar"?
One of these involved the most highly qualified practitioners being 'called' to the highest place in the court room – a railing or bar separating officials from the public. The Inns of Court each had such a partition, which students symbolically crossed when they qualified, becoming 'barristers'.
Do barristers still wear wigs?
Wigs are still commonplace in the courtroom, almost thought of as a uniform, to maintain the long tradition and formality of the legal system. However, the wigs have undergone some changes.
Why are British lawyers called silks?
The title “silk lawyer” originates from the silk gowns that KCs wear in court, which distinguishes them from junior barristers who wear wool gowns. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the history, qualifications, roles, challenges, and impact of silk lawyers in the legal profession.
What is the B word for lawyer?
barrister, counsellor, legal adviser. in the sense of barrister. a lawyer who is qualified to plead in the higher courts.
What does QC stand for in English law?
abbreviation for Queen's Counsel: a British lawyer of high rank who is allowed to represent a person in court, or the title given to such a lawyer when a queen is ruling: A QC is a senior barrister. Charles Gordon, QC. Compare.
What is British slang for attorney?
BARRISTER - 33 Synonyms and Antonyms - Cambridge English.
What is silk in British slang?
A Silk or a Queen's Counsel is an eminent lawyer usually a barrister who is appointed by the Queen to be one of "Her Majesty's Counsel learned in the law." The term is also recognised as an honorific and means a "Senior Counsel" or "Senior Advocate".
What are the 4 types of silk?
Eri, kosa, mulberry, tassar and mooga are the different types of silk obtained from different variety of silkworms.
What is silk in English?
Silk is a continuous protein filament secreted by particular types of insects (sericigenous) commonly known as silkworms.