I come from an Irish working-class background but went to a posh school, and any type of pretension was quickly mocked at home. I've always had a keen eye for pretension.

In this quote, Stephen Mangan, a British actor, reflects on his upbringing and how his background shaped his perception of pretension. He notes that he comes from an Irish working-class background, yet he attended a posh school. This contrast between his humble roots and the more elite environment of his school gave him a unique perspective on social class and behavior. Mangan suggests that any form of pretension, or the act of trying to appear more important or cultured than one truly is, was quickly mocked by his family at home.

Mangan's comment about having a "keen eye for pretension" reveals that his upbringing made him particularly sensitive to inauthenticity or snobbery. His experience of navigating between different social classes gave him a sharp awareness of when people are trying to show off or elevate their status in a way that feels disingenuous. His family’s response to pretension, where it was openly mocked, suggests that authenticity and staying true to one's roots were highly valued in his home environment.

The mention of mocking pretension at home implies that Mangan’s family maintained a sense of grounded humility. This likely influenced his views on class, social behavior, and the importance of not putting on airs. It shows that, despite attending a more elite school, Mangan was encouraged to maintain his genuine identity and not get caught up in societal pressures to conform to higher social expectations.

Ultimately, Stephen Mangan's quote underscores the tension between different social classes and how personal experiences can shape one's understanding of authenticity. His ability to recognize pretension likely stems from his unique upbringing, where both his working-class background and his exposure to elite circles gave him a clear perspective on how people present themselves in different social contexts.