Shirley Manson

Letters to The Hobbledehoy: “Twat”

~ Michael Stevenson ~ 2 Comments

Steven writes to The Hobbledehoy:


“Is there an alternative British meaning to the word: “twat?” or is it the same over here? the [Trump] essay is brilliant until the very last line.”

Interesting question, Steven. I do believe that expression is used far more extensively in Britain than in the U.S. The wonderful Scottish singer Shirley Manson discusses her use of the word ‘twat’ and other swear words here.

I myself use the expression only occasionally, and exclusively in reference to men.

What do you think? Please post your comment

Shirley Manson: ‘Men need to start policing their own’

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

The Hobbledehoy misses Shirley Manson. Read this excellent interview from The Independent and take a nostalgic look at the 1999 clip from Jools Holland.

…The problems that women face go far beyond the music industry. This is just the tiny tip of the iceberg. Misogyny and sexism is baffling and I have no answers as to where it comes from or why it continues.

Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence – is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights. Global estimates published by WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. That speaks of a systemic, institutionalised problem that has flourished since time began. How can we possibly start to eradicate it? I don’t know. If I had the answers to this question I would run for office.

I am so desperate for this situation to be “ fixed”. I suspect however it begins with the way we educate our children about gender, identity, expression and sexuality from a very early age. The patriarchy has created a binary system in which males often thrive and women shrink. It’s all so crazy and outdated. Gender is dead. Let’s start by freeing the people!

Read Full interview: Shirley Manson: ‘Men need to start policing their own’