Canard

Getting the #Brexit ducks in a row – or not?

A Facebook friend asked how we want our #Brexit today – boiled, fried, roasted … my immediate thoughts were that it is to me, half-baked, par-boiled, and conversely, paradoxically, burnt and battered, leaving many of us bewildered, and anxious, whichever side of the divide we stand.

This prompted me to think of the French expression #canard which, yes, is a duck – and it’s also a damaging story, hoax, scheme, scam, false news, an attempt to sell short measure i.e. half a duck. Can you sell half a live duck? I guess you can try!

Maybe that’s what happened in 2016. Maybe it’s still happening now. 

There’s a weekly satirical publication founded in 1915 called ‘Le Canard Enchaîné’, dedicated to the uncovering and reporting of ‘stories’ leaked from the French government and jokes and humour. I recall it well from my student days, and it hasn’t lost its edge in all those years. British equivalents would be Private Eye, and maybe the no longer extant ‘Punch’.

Given the basis on which ‘Leave’ was presented in 2016, and the admissions and proof of nefarious dealings by the Leave movements, to me #canard sums it all up perfectly. Maybe the British expression ‘sold a pup’ comes close in meaning.

In fact, the term ‘le canard boiteux’ means ‘lame duck’. Not sure whose duck is the most lame at the moment, but it all comes close to being half a live duck to me.

And that’s not a whole lot of use to anyone, is it?

Your thoughts welcome, but do note I will not tolerate abuse or obscenity, bad language, or disrespect.

About

Christine is a psychologist, executive coach, mentor, speaker, published author and poet. With a varied and successful 25-year career in research and consulting across diverse sectors, she now conducts leadership and organisational transformations. As a guide and mentor she seeks to release untapped potential in her clients.

She has recently completed extensive research into creating sustainable cultures for more values-driven, loving, compassionate organisations, with over sixty global leaders, ranging from HH the Dalai Lama to Sir Terry Leahy and The Rt Hon Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business. Christine is a Fellow of London Metropolitan University Business School’s Centre for Progressive Leadership.

Christine is able to adapt to different environments and issues quickly, where she is known for her ethical approach, her empathy, her stimulating and thought-provoking method of questioning, and for her ability to put people at ease. She is renowned for her creative resourcefulness and wisdom, her penetrating analysis, insights and ability to provoke transformational thinking and action for organisations and individual coaching and consulting clients worldwide.

Comments

  1. Bo Dhafur says

    Given the basis on which ‘Leave’ was presented in 2016, and the admissions and proof of nefarious dealings by the Leave movements, to me #canard sums it all up perfectly. Maybe the British expression ‘sold a pup’ comes close in meaninghttps://christinemiller.co/canards/#respond.

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