In truth, some of the most fantastical lies, half-truths and conspiracy theories of the past few years have been peddled by verified users. Outlandish claims, like ‘Putin gave us Brexit’ or ‘women can have penises’, have been tweeted day in, day out by legacy-blue-tick accounts. Worst of all, these ideas have been taken seriously by people with actual power.

No, what is really angering the formerly verified is that they have now lost the social status that the old blue tick conveyed. One Atlantic writer was more honest than most when he admitted lamenting the passing of ‘some kind of higher order on the social network’. The blue check was a mark of the anointed. A symbol of specialness. A kind of digital prefect’s badge.

This is why so many of the formerly verified are not only upset that they have been kicked out of the club – they are also furious that Musk will now let anyone in.