What does TON mean in England?

Question

I'm reading a book,and it keeps saying,people of the TON

Answer 1

People of the ton is a figure of speach for a lot of people.

Ton is 2000, so if you hear this bridge weighs 2 tons it weighs 4000 pounds.

So to answer your question it is a figure of speach meaning lots of people.

Answer 2

In the UK, another meaning of "the ton" would be "the nobility". When people talk about a group of people belonging to the nobility (dukes, baronets, etc....) they speak about "the ton".

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

aside from the obvious measurement of weight (In England, the ton is 2,240 pounds. In the US, the ton is about 2,000 pounds, this being the short ton, while that of 2,240 pounds is called the long ton),  It can also be British slang for £100 pound sterling. Also refers to 100 runs in cricket, a score of 100 generally, 100mph or 100 cubic feet.

But in your case, it means the prevailing fashion or mode; vogue; as, things of ton.

Byron.

    "If our people of ton are selfish, at any rate they show they are selfish."