Just A Minute

Had anyone actually picked up on it before Jennie? Maybe here on list or in some news article or a well-known blog - does anyone remember? And does someone remember what show it was? I remember the incident but I’d have to admit I didn’t know that Fry lied about it being a word until listening to this episode!

Amro

Emile, many thanks for this - must go listen. After asking the question I did a quick search and it appears Fry’s howmever bluff was indeed picked up on.

“5. During one recording in 2009, Stephen Fry was challenged for deviation from the English language by Jenny Eclair, after he said 'Howmever'. However he convinced Parsons that it was a real word, a poetic usage similar to 'whomever', insisting: 'I wouldn't have said it otherwise… I've always said it… my favourite' – and was awarded a point for an incorrect challenge. However, it was all a bluff, prompting the BBC to issue a statement after the programme went out saying: 'Radio 4 can now confirm that there is no such word as "howmever". A post-programme disqualification may be in order.'”

http://www.chortle.co.uk/features/2015/09/02/23156/just_minutiae

Cheers,

Amro