One of the most annoying side-effects of using a rich text editor frequently (like the Gmail composer) is that the copied text retains it formatting when you paste it. Most people copy the text to a simple editor like leafpad, copy it again and then paste it to the rich text editor. Some even go greater lengths and install a clipboard manager like Parcellite.
On the latest versions of Ubuntu you can paste text sans the formatting using the keyboard shortcut <Ctrl-Shift-v>. Tested it on Ubuntu 14.04. Works like a charm!
Select text and middle click to paste does the job too.
“Select text and middle click to paste does the job too.” Hey, whaddaya know, it works on Mint 17.1 too.
I guess it’ll work on all Ubuntu derivatives.