terms understanding

English translation: explained as follows

13:58 Nov 6, 2007

English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature / terms

English term or phrase: terms understanding

here is the sentence comes from a novel like this:" When the phrase 'the bastards'is unsed in Australia, its reference is understood on all sides.'The bastards' was once the convict's term for the men who called themselves his betters and flogged him if he disagreed."

I wonder what exact meaning of "bastards" and "betters" here?

Thank you!

macky KudoZ activity Questions: 352 (2 open) (6 without valid answers) (1 closed without grading) Answers: 4
Local time: 23:30

Selected answer:explained as follows

Explanation:
these are all ordinary usages:
bastards: insulting terms of address for people
betters: people superior in standing, competence, or intelligence, more important or excellent.

Selected response from:

orientalhorizon
Local time: 23:30

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explained as follows

orientalhorizon

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19 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +5

explained as follows

Explanation:
these are all ordinary usages:
bastards: insulting terms of address for people
betters: people superior in standing, competence, or intelligence, more important or excellent.

orientalhorizon
Local time: 23:30
Native speaker of:

Chinese
PRO pts in category: 8

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