SLOB IDOL #4: Onslow.

Onslow: show-stealing slob anti-hero.

Apologies for another formulaic example from a sitcom, but before we can explore the nuances of slob culture we must first understand the clichés. It is perhaps also the case that comedy, as an exaggerated reflection of real life, produces the most memorable and culturally pervasive slobs.

Onslow is the unlikely star of the early 90s class-based comedy, Keeping Up Appearances. The show is a gentle satire of the British class system, whose main character is the affected, socially-climbing snob, Hyacinth Bucket (or "Bouquet," as she prefers to pronounce it).

Onslow, meanwhile, began as an auxiliary character: Hyacinth's downmarket brother-in-law and an archetypal couch-potato. While Hyacinth ties herself in knots trying to maintain a middle class pretense within the community, Onslow and his family prove a continued source of embarrassment that might jeopardise Hyacinth's attempts to disguise her working class roots.

Of course, being a self-confessed idler who is comfortable in his class, Onslow emerges a humble and genuine victim, thereby winning the audience's affection and unexpectedly stealing the show. He proves that not only does everyone love an underdog, everyone loves a slob too.

Onslow also deserves praise for pushing the boundaries of the stereotypical couch-potato uniform. While he ticks all the obvious boxes with his tubby physique, dirty trucker cap and lack of grooming, he takes things one step further by sporting a sweater sans shirt. That's some bold sartorial trailblazing for somebody who obviously doesn't give a shit.

SLOB IDOL #2 & 3: Wayne & Waynetta Slob.

Slob Couple: Wayne & Waynetta, from some comedy show for middle-aged, middle class, middle-of-the-road bores.

Here are some more exemplary slobs from BBC comedy, this time from Harry Enfield's Television Programme. Negative stereotyping of the white British underclass is driven home with such literal force here it is almost Daily Mail-esque in its prejudice.

All the same, Wayne and Waynetta are guiding lights for any aspiring slob couple, taking domestic cohabitation to the upper echelons of squalor and skirmish.

Waynetta Slob, played by greasy-skinned actress Kathy Burke, is also a fantastic role model for young girls interested in slob life, a traditionally male-dominated activity.

Who could forget the classic line "I'm smoking a fag!" – a catchphrase so infinitely hilarious that any slow-witted tosspot in the pub can roll it out and still appear as original and perceptive as if they'd just coined it themselves.

SLOB IDOL #1: Rab. C. Nesbitt.

Rab C. Nesbitt: textbook slob heartthrob.

The alcoholic Scotsman, Rab C. Nesbitt, may be a boring, unfunny and probably racist caricature, but one thing he must be given credit for is having the textbook slob look on lock.

In a manner typical of BBC light entertainment, Nesbitt's appearance is overstated and obvious. But it is classic, archetypal slob nonetheless.

The Glaswegian layabout opts for quintessential slob staples – yellowed string vest, unkempt hair, stubble and beer gut – but brings it all together with the touch of class only a torn charity shop suit can bestow.

If ever there were a timeless style-icon for alcoholic deadbeats – a shining example of how to do it right – Rab C. Nesbitt is your man. He's like the Steve McQueen or Cary Grant of the slob community.