What is the meaning of the expression "beyond the pale"?

cardsfan_027

According to the dictionary, it means to be unacceptable or outlawed and is "based on a past meaning of pale (an area in Ireland, Scotland, or France controlled by England), and the idea that places outside this area were dangerous for the English." http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/beyond+the+pale Jan 28 13, 10:11 AM

sportsherald

A good explanation of its meaning and origins is provided here: "The paling fence is significant as the term 'pale' came to mean the area enclosed by such a fence and later just figuratively 'the area that is enclosed and safe'. So to be 'beyond the pale' was to be outside the area accepted as 'home'. Catherine the Great created the Pale of Settlement in Russia in 1791. This was the name given to the western border region of the country, in which Jews were allowed to live. The motivation behind this was to restrict trade between Jews and native Russians. Some Jews were allowed to live, as a concession, 'beyond the pale'. Pales were enforced in various other European countries for similar political reasons, notably in Ireland (the Pale of Dublin) and France (the Pale of Calais, which was formed as early as 1360). The phrase itself originated later than that. The first printed reference comes from 1657 in John Harington's lyric poem The History of Polindor and Flostella. In that work, the character Ortheris withdraws with his beloved to a country lodge for 'quiet, calm and ease', but they later venture further: "Both Dove-like roved forth beyond the pale to planted Myrtle-walk". Such recklessness rarely meets with a good end in 17th century verse and before long the lovers are attacked by armed men with 'many a dire killing thrust'. The message is clear - 'if there is a pale, decent people stay inside it', which conveys exactly the figurative meaning of the phrase as it is used today." -from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beyond-the-pale.html Jan 28 13, 1:13 PM

Ceistenna

During the middle ages "The Pale" was an area in the east of Ireland (roughly a 30 mile radius from the centre of Dublin) where the English had most control and was predominantly English. Outside this area or "Beyond the Pale" Ireland was divided into Baronys eg Thomond (modern day Limerick) and Desmond(Kildare). These Barons were origonlly English settlers but had become so intergrated that they become more Irish than the Irish themselves. Indeed some led rebellions against the English Crown such as that of Silken Thomas, Earl of Desmond This situation continuted until Queen Elizabeth I carried out the Plantation of Ireland which involved vast areas of land been given to British nobilty loyal to the Queen. Ireland was then under complete control which lasted until the Easter Rising of 1916 Jan 28 13, 3:38 PM