What’s new, kitty cat?
IWAS sitting in a coffee shop many miles from this part of Wales, wondering whether to write about the recent bizarre suggestion that the title of Edward Lear’s famous poem “The Owl And The Pussycat” should be changed to “The Owl And The Kitty Cat”
Apparently, after being around for over 100 years, it suddenly might offend because of its ‘linguistic connotations’.
The poem was set to music and recorded by the entertainer known as ‘The Man With The Small Guitar’ Elton Hayes in the 1950s.
I’m reliably informed it was frequently played on the popular BBC radio shows Children’s Favourites and Junior Choice up until the 1970s and is still available on CD compilations of children’s songs.
As no one’s been concerned about its ‘linguistic connotations’ until now, I can only echo the words of Victor Meldrew – as supplied by the brilliant David Renwick…
“What in the name of sanity!?” But, on reflection, as I combed my hair in the mirror in the gents, I decided not to write about that subject.
Although I have a sneaking suspicion “The Owl and The Kitty Kat” sounds like a free advert for cat food.
I also decided not to tell you about the well-known department store which intends to stop using the word ‘nude’ in its many branches to describe a particular shade of lingerie.
The word ‘nude’ might cause a few schoolboys to snigger, but surely these days no adult is so unworldly and delicate they’d be horrified by seeing the word ‘nude’ on a product in the lingerie department?
If so, I hope they don’t read this because I’ve used the world three times.
I’ll do it again. Nude!
Pass the smelling salts! Great Aunt Edith has fainted!
Fortunately, sitting in the coffee shop, mulling over what to write about this week, I glanced at a copy of the local newspaper that someone had left on an adjoining table.
I couldn’t help but smile at the headline…
“We name the local petrol station where you’ll never need to queue.”
I wonder if the following day’s headline was…
“Mystery of ten-mile queue at previously quiet petrol station!”?