Is it OK to say Union Jack?

Although generally, most people accept that either name may be used, some people remain certain that 'Union Flag' is the only correct term.

Is it wrong to call it the Union Jack?

From its earliest days, the Admiralty often referred to the flag – however it was used – as the Union Jack. In 1902 an Admiralty Circular announced that either name could be used officially. And in 1908 the UK Parliament approved this verdict, stating that 'the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag'.

When can you use the term Union Jack?

The most plausible one is that when a small flag was mounted on the front of a warship (and a selected number of other ships) it was called 'the Jack'. Sometime around 1674 the British flag became formally known as the 'Union Jack' when mounted on a warship and the ship was not in harbour.

What is another name for Union Jack?

One theory goes that for some years it would have been called just the "Jack", or "Jack flag", or the "King's Jack", but by 1674, while formally referred to as "His Majesty's Jack", it was commonly called the "Union Jack", and this was officially acknowledged.

What is the correct way to show the Union Jack?

Important: the Union Flag has a correct way up – in the half of the flag nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe must be above the red diagonal stripe, as Scotland's St Andrew's Cross takes precedence over Ireland's St Patrick's Cross. It is most improper to fly the flag upside down.

History of the Union Jack

Is it an insult to fly the Union Jack upside down?

Flying the Union Flag upside down

It is often said that when the union flag is flown upside down, it is a form of distress signal – a coded signal and should only be used as such. In the UK, flying the flag upside down can be considered an insult, even if it was an honest mistake.

What is flag etiquette today?

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have anything placed on it.

Why is it called the Union Flag and not the Union Jack?

Evolution of the Union Jack

Sometime around 1674 the British flag became formally known as the 'Union Jack' when mounted on a warship and the ship was not in harbour. At the same time the British flag was referred to as the 'Union flag' on land.

Is Union Jack a nickname for American flag?

Formally, the flag is known as the Union Flag, but for centuries it has been popularly known as the Union Jack. If “Union Jack” were merely a nickname, like Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Stars and Stripes are nicknames for the United States flag, its popular use should be understandable and acceptable.

What is the American flag called?

Nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", and "the Star-Spangled Banner". Because of its symbolism, the starred blue canton is called the "union".

Is it illegal to fly the Royal Standard?

The Royal Standard is the personal flag of the monarch, and cannot be flown without His Majesty's permission, which is only granted when the monarch is present¹.

Why do police wear Union Jack?

This emblem shows support for all police internationally. In the wake of controversies over police shootings and fallen officers, the Thin Blue Line Flag has become popular among law enforcement personnel, their families and supporters, as a symbol of unity and family.

Why is a flag called a Jack?

The 'Jack' part comes from the name for a small maritime flag. Since before 1600, 'jack' has been used to describe a small flag flown from the mast of a ship – so, when a small version of the Union Jack started to be flown around 1627, it was often referred to as the jack, jack flag or King's jack.

What does a black Union Jack mean?

What does the black Union Jack mean? In 2003, a private individual started a campaign – dubbed "reflag" or "Union Black" – to introduce black stripes in the Union Jack in order to represent the increasing diversity in the United Kingdom.

Is it illegal to display the Union Jack?

Well, we do not make the flag flying rules. But, we all have the legal right to proudly display it on land wherever and any time we need use it to represent our patriotic nation. Note: The government issued new guidance on flying the Union Flag in an effort to strengthen the institutions that define Britain.

Is a jack the same as a flag?

A jack is a flag flown from a short jackstaff at the bow (front) of a vessel, while the ensign is flown on the stern (rear). Jacks on bowsprits or foremasts appeared in the 17th century.

What was the flag before the Union Jack?

The flag of Great Britain, commonly known as King's Colours, the first Union Flag, the Union Jack, or the British flag, was used at sea from 1606 and more generally from 1707 to 1801. It was the first flag of Great Britain. It is the precursor to the Union Jack of 1801.

Which flag still include the Union Jack?

Four countries currently incorporate the Union Flag as part of their own national flags: Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu, and Fiji (although Fiji is a republic, unlike Australia and New Zealand).

What is the only state with a Union Jack on its flag?

U.S. state flag consisting of alternating horizontal stripes of white, red, and blue with the Union Jack in the canton.

What is disrespectful to the U.S. flag?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

What are 3 things you should never do to the American flag?

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be displayed upside down unless trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger. The flag should never touch anything beneath it; this includes water, merchandise and even the floor.

What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Other Things Not to Do with the Flag

let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise. carry it horizontally, but always aloft. fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled. place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.

Can you hang the Union Jack sideways?

Union Flag - If hung horizontally or vertically, the broad white diagonal should be uppermost in the top-left corner. Other flags - If hung vertically, the edge that would normally be the top of the flag should be on the left, so, for example, ensigns have their Union Flag canton in the upper left corner.

Is it a crime to fly the American flag upside down?

It is not illegal to fly the American flag upside down. It is a signal of distress.