the main character in the popular British television comedy series One Foot in the Grave (1990–2000), played by Richard Wilson. He is a retired man who is always bad-tempered, complains all the time, annoys people and often makes terrible mistakes. His name is often used in Britain to refer to somebody who behaves like this and people often quote his favourite phrase, ‘I don’t believe it!’.
MELDREW
Meaning of MELDREW in English
Oxford guide to British and American culture English vocabulary. Руководство по британской и американской культуре, Оксфордский английский словарь. 2005