There was trouble in the south western European Principality of Monaco tonight, when thousands of people took to the streets demanding to know exactly how the country's name should be pronounced.
Monaco, in French La Principauté de Monaco, has always been pronounced by English people as Mon-a-co, with the 'a' as in the indefinite article, whereas other Europeans say Mon-ah-co, using the long-drawn-out 'ahhh'.
Life in the principality had become very confusing since TV crews started arriving there to set up camera sites for the Tour de France last year, and this situation persists even today.
Residents, too, have been clashing over the pronunciation issue. Last week, a man buying fruit and vegetables in a local market had to be taken to hospital after he was set upon by an angry mob. Henri Merde, 56, told our Spoof reporter:
"I was buying some provisions, and before I could take the onions from around my shouklders, I was set upon by a gang of ruffians who gang-banged me."
Monaco or Monarcho
Potato Potarto
Tomayto tomato
