you couldn't make it up

Newcastle City Council is denying allegations that it has told employees not to use words like "pet" and "hinny".

It claims these words are offensive. Surprise, surprise, workers were allegedly told about the new rules during an "equality and diversity" seminar.

The rumoured initiative seems a bit rich coming from a council that is guilty of far more serious crimes against the English language - see my earlier post 'touchdown for jargon'.

Newcastle City Council has that nasty habit of constantly alienating itself from the people who pay the council tax bills by using language that only public policy wonks can understand.

It is amazing that given Newcastle's variety of social and economic problems - taken a walk around the West End recently? - Newcastle City Council staff have time to attend such events and the council sees such language as a problem.

Remember, keep it simple - like Murray in straight sets against Federer.

Will