Ferguson once derided the modern-day City as being "all talk".

But they maintain that these days - once derided as window dressing - are more rigorous than ever before.

And even internal changes, once derided as eyewash, may actually get a push from House leaders.

Indeed, the city's Olympic-related development, once derided as a bust, is finally coming together.

"Godot" was once derided, after all, as a play in which nothing happens, twice.

This was a chap once derided as a 'little Englander'.

Passion lent to the silent tongue the drama once derided by his brother.

Activism, once derided by conservatives, is now their domain.

As a result, views that people like Howard Dean were once derided for are becoming the majority opinion.

Once derided as stiff, the Democratic candidate has acquired fluid ease and growing self-confidence.