marmalade dropper en · NOUN
Etymology
Suggesting the idea of an astonished person dropping marmalade at the breakfast table while reading or hearing the news.
Meanings
- (UK, informal) Astonishing information, especially something learned from the news media.
-
(UK, informal) A publicity stunt; something shocking intended to receive news coverage.
2023 'The return of David Cameron: What is going on?', BBC News. "Just because something is a marmalade dropper, doesn't make it a good idea."
How to get wall-to-wall coverage for your new album even if your name is not Taylor Swift: […] Allow the BBC Today programme to deliver a proper marmalade-dropper: "Open marriage, infidelity, vasectomies, sex toys, I mean every track has got something in it."
2025 October 31, “Hackwatch”, in Private Eye, number 1661, page 10:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| marmalade droppers | Number=Plur | lexicographic |