You Can't Believe What They Used to Sing on Christmas! The Great Fairytale of New York F-Debacle
Let's face it, Christmas music can be a bit...saccharine. All that caroling about sugarplums and endless good cheer can leave you feeling like you need a dentist appointment. But then there's "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues. This boozy, brawling ballad throws a lump of coal (or maybe a half-eaten mince pie) into the holiday fire. It's a glorious mess, a love-hate duet that captures the chaotic beauty of real relationships – especially after a few too many eggnogs.
But there's one tiny detail that raises eyebrows every year, like a fruitcake left out a little too long. Yes, we're talking about that word. The one that rhymes with "maggot" and makes even the most tolerant uncle wince.
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| What Slur Is In Fairytale Of New York |
So, What's the Deal with the Homophobic Slur?
The song features a fiery exchange between Shane MacGowan's character, a down-and-out bloke, and Kirsty MacColl's sassy retort. In the heat of the moment, a certain derogatory term for gay men gets flung like a particularly nasty Christmas cracker.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Here's the thing: The song was written in the 1980s, a time when, well, let's just say society wasn't exactly a rainbow parade. The term was probably used more casually back then, but that doesn't make it okay. Today, it's a hurtful slur, and there's no getting around it.
So Do We Just Skip the Song Entirely?
Some folks think so. They say the slur ruins the whole thing, like finding a rogue Brussels sprout under the mashed potatoes. Others argue that it's part of the song's raw energy, reflecting the characters' flaws and the harsh realities of life.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Ultimately, it's up to you. If the word is a major trigger, then by all means, crank up some Mariah Carey instead. But if you can appreciate the song's artistic merit (and separate the art from the artist, a whole other can of worms!), then belting it out with a bit of irony can be a guilty pleasure.
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Just a heads up: Be prepared for some awkward silences if you sing it at a family gathering. Your grandma might clutch her pearls, and your teenage cousin might give you a raised eyebrow.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How to Handle the Fairytale F-Bomb at Christmas? (A Survival Guide)
Here are some tips for navigating the "Fairytale" controversy:
How to Sing Along (Without Offending Anyone):
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
- Channel your inner censor: A strategically placed cough or a loud jingle bell noise can work wonders.
- Embrace the rewrite: There are versions out there that replace the slur with something less offensive, like "you cheap and you're haggard."
- Just belt out "ARSEHOLE!" instead: Hey, it's still an insult, but a slightly less loaded one!
How to Explain it to Your Curious Kids:
- Keep it simple: Explain that the song was written a long time ago, and some of the language wouldn't be used today because it's hurtful.
- Use it as a teachable moment: Talk about why using that word is wrong and how we should treat everyone with respect.
How to Avoid the Whole Mess Altogether:
- Blast some Wham!: "Last Christmas" may be cheesy, but at least it won't spark any family feuds.
- Invent your own Christmas anthem: Just make sure it doesn't rhyme "eggnog" with anything offensive.
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