The
World Health Organization announced yesterday that they no longer will be referring to swine flu as the "swine flu" after receiving constant pressure from the meat industry. Its new name, "influenza A (H1N1)" doesn't necessarily roll off the tongue. Grant Barrett, a lexicographer and the co-host of the public radio show "A Way with Words," joins The Takeaway.
Comments [2]
Wow, loved the "name of this flu" segment with Grant. I think you missed the golden opportunity to mix-and-match and denote the afflicting virus the swiney-heinie flu. Kind of like lipstick on a pig, only it's a closer.
FLU CLARIFICATION
Don't be a swine! And don't you dare to call it
The Mexican flu, for they get mad when you scrawl it.
Our public health officials have requested
--And President Barack Obama has stressed it--
We use the scientific term (others shun)
Influenza A H1 N1.
As such, Mexicans' pride is spared being bruised
And south-of-the-border pigs won't feel abused.
Keep this official nomenclature in mind
Lest a sensitive sow has you porcined.
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