Menu
10/12/2008
ASA Reject 'Father Ted' Complaint
Father Jack's favourite catchline, Feck Off! has been deemed merely a 'mild rebuke' by the Advertising Standards Authority.
The RTE TV comedy show character, who plagued the eponymous Father Ted, wasn't deemed to be offensive by regulators who this week told those angered at the use of the phrase 'feck off' in an advert to back-off.
The phrase was not a swear word, it said.
Cider drink Magners had used the phrase on a campaign poster in which an orchard farmer is quoted as saying "feck off bees".
The instruction was described as a "mild rebuff" by the company.
ASA agreed, ruling it suitable to be used in public and seen by all ages.
However, ASA spokesman said: "The use of the word 'feck' in Britain has been popularised by TV programmes such as Father Ted.
"We considered that the tone of the ad was not aggressive or threatening. The term 'feck' was unlikely to be seen as a swear word."
The word has been in popular parlance for over 500 years and has been used to mean "effect", "quantity" or "value" or "amount".
But advertisers have been warned to tread carefully when using the word in future advertisements.
(BMcC)
The RTE TV comedy show character, who plagued the eponymous Father Ted, wasn't deemed to be offensive by regulators who this week told those angered at the use of the phrase 'feck off' in an advert to back-off.
The phrase was not a swear word, it said.
Cider drink Magners had used the phrase on a campaign poster in which an orchard farmer is quoted as saying "feck off bees".
The instruction was described as a "mild rebuff" by the company.
ASA agreed, ruling it suitable to be used in public and seen by all ages.
However, ASA spokesman said: "The use of the word 'feck' in Britain has been popularised by TV programmes such as Father Ted.
"We considered that the tone of the ad was not aggressive or threatening. The term 'feck' was unlikely to be seen as a swear word."
The word has been in popular parlance for over 500 years and has been used to mean "effect", "quantity" or "value" or "amount".
But advertisers have been warned to tread carefully when using the word in future advertisements.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 December 2007
Grease Is The Word This Christmas
Festive fayre, in particular the Christmas turkey, is very much on the minds of most people this Christmas. However, whether you are cooking at home or eating out this holiday period, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is urging the public to be careful when it comes to disposing of fats and oils.
Grease Is The Word This Christmas
Festive fayre, in particular the Christmas turkey, is very much on the minds of most people this Christmas. However, whether you are cooking at home or eating out this holiday period, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is urging the public to be careful when it comes to disposing of fats and oils.
25 June 2012
John McAreavey: Forced Confession Claims 'Lies'
The widower of a murdered Co Tyrone honeymooner has accused a lawyer for one of the men on trial for her murder of lying. A barrister for Avinash Treebhoowoon opened the case for the defence in the Michaela McAreavey murder trial in Mauritius today.
John McAreavey: Forced Confession Claims 'Lies'
The widower of a murdered Co Tyrone honeymooner has accused a lawyer for one of the men on trial for her murder of lying. A barrister for Avinash Treebhoowoon opened the case for the defence in the Michaela McAreavey murder trial in Mauritius today.
08 May 2012
Man Questioned Following River Bann Death
A 26-year-old man is still being questioned in connection with the death of a 21-year-old Owen McKeown. Mr McKeown’s body was recovered from the River Bann on Sunday following a search by rescue teams and around 50 volunteers.
Man Questioned Following River Bann Death
A 26-year-old man is still being questioned in connection with the death of a 21-year-old Owen McKeown. Mr McKeown’s body was recovered from the River Bann on Sunday following a search by rescue teams and around 50 volunteers.
17 April 2008
Dickie Best Passes On
The father of the legendary Belfast soccer star, the late George Best, has died at the age of 88. Dickie Best had been in hospital for the past four weeks. His family, who were with him when he passed away at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, have described him as "irreplaceable".
Dickie Best Passes On
The father of the legendary Belfast soccer star, the late George Best, has died at the age of 88. Dickie Best had been in hospital for the past four weeks. His family, who were with him when he passed away at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, have described him as "irreplaceable".
17 June 2005
Exhibition explores notion of forgiveness
An exhibition exploring the idea of forgiveness in the face of atrocity has opened in Northern Ireland.
Exhibition explores notion of forgiveness
An exhibition exploring the idea of forgiveness in the face of atrocity has opened in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
