In response to Zak Maoui, style director of Esquire magazine, who commented on going shirtless in hot weather outside of the beach (Summer etiquette: 47 essential rules – from sex to sunloungers to shopping in swimming trunks, 14 July), readers have shared their views.
Scottish 'taps aff' tradition
Siobhan McGovern of Edinburgh writes: 'I’m amused by the comments of Zak Maoui ... on going shirtless in hot weather outside of the beach. I’m guessing he’s not visited Scotland recently. As soon as the sun comes out here it’s a kind of macho obligation for certain young guys to parade round topless (“taps aff” in the local parlance), but there’s nothing stylishly louche about their torsos.'
Etiquette expert's advice
Mariah Humbert, an etiquette expert, advises: 'Wear a trouser, or a longer skirt or dress.' Helen Swallow of Luxembourg responds: 'A trouser? Can we expect to see office workers wearing half of a pair of trousers in the near future? What about a short, a pant or a sunglass?'
Palestine Action prisoners
Margaret Vandecasteele of Cupar, Fife, suggests: 'Surely it would make more sense to release all Palestine Action prisoners if there is a shortage of prison space (Scrapping early release for sex offenders could leave no capacity in jails, says David Lammy, 12 July).'
Decoding and automaticity in reading
David Hart of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, explains: 'Dr Roger Merry (Letters, 12 July) asks what “decoding” and “automaticity” mean, as used in an earlier letter about reading. A child who can decode can work out what most words say. Automaticity means they can read most material without giving thought to the process. You would hope most children might manage both by the time they go to secondary school.'
Modern grandchildren
George Redman of New Eltham, London, adds: 'You do not explain modern terms to your grandchildren, Dr Merry. They explain them to you.'
