It is ironic that in the lexicon of instant messaging of contemporary society, the Dukies of today probably share the common language of www computer-speak, but no longer have a private language of their own. I say probably because I have no knowledge of how they express themselves among themselves. Nevertheless, the art of linguistic inventiveness is probably lost on them because they communicate in the common lingo required for instant messaging via the computer, Blackberry, cell-phone and iPod etc.

The merit of a private language whether defined by region, county, tribe or geographical area is obvious. It makes communication among members of a particular grouping such as the Duke of York's School exclusive. Eton, Harrow, Wellington and other notable public schools have their beaks (masters) and fags (junior boy servants to older boys). Members of adult staffs might become familiar with some expressions in use, but others are so obscure as to defy the wit of the sharpest adult.

Through the ages, the Duke of York's has had a private language of slang to which outsiders, even members staff, were not privy. Words and phrases came into fashion and were discarded when they lost their coinage. Some words remain popular over long periods. Others are short-lived. 'Black messenger' for instance, which has no racist overtones, would be unknown to Dukies of the present generation because, if for no other reason, they no longer have to bone and polish boots. Theirs are already well-shined and easy to keep clean. Their food, too, is so much improved they no longer have use for expressions such as 'snakey' and 'spare wang'.