How the word "shantrap" became a stigma for losers.
It all started in the era of serf theaters. Every self-respecting landowner dreamed of his own opera, and hired French teachers to select talent. The castings were difficult: peasant children stood in front of the maestro, and everyone had to demonstrate singing.
If the child had no hearing, the teacher pronounced the verdict: "Chantera pas" (chantra pas). Literally translated - "not direct." ".
For the teacher it was only a technical refusal, but for the servants the word sounded like a death sentence. "Shantrepa" began to be called those who did not pass the selection and were considered unfit for high art. Such children were sent back to the stables or fields.
The word quickly flew beyond the borders of the estates and was carved into Russian speech. Over time, he changed his scale: from "talentless singers" the chanter became classy, small scoundrels and slackers. Thus, the judgment of the French teacher made its way from the stage of the theater to the gates, ensuring itself forever the connotation of something unlucky and second-rate.
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