The same papers that had championed C86 in the middle of the decade then spent years writing off small, pop-oriented bands such as Belle and Sebastian — particularly if they had an air of mimsy or femininity.

It isn't a skunked term, but it's gradually becoming something like one.

Yet his passion for her had grown fiercer than ever, and he swore to himself that he would win her back from her phantasies. She, one may believe, was ready enough to listen.

For his rapacity, the guardsman was broken upon the wheel.