What’s in a name? A chance to win cheap laughs if you are confronted with a name like Dikshit

Hyacinth Bucket - or Bouquet? And how would Paul Henry handle it if it were spelled Fucket???

Paul Henry is back in the gun after calling an Indian politician Dix-Shit.

He’s not the only one, as Kiwiblog points out. Many presenters can’t help doubling up with laughter when they mention the name of Delhi’s Chief Minister, which happens to be Sheila Dikshit, although it seems it is pronounced Dixit.

A sophisticated bloke would know that the spelling of a surname often gives no clue to how it should be pronounced. Marjoribanks, for example. Or Death. Or Bucket.

And a professional broadcaster would want to get it right.

Hence Henry should have got it right when – according to the HoS –

TVNZ is investigating four complaints after its controversial Breakfast frontman repeatedly mispronounced the name of Delhi’s Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit. Newsreader Peter Williams interjected, saying her name was pronounced “Dixit”. But Henry was undeterred and continued, with rollicking laughter.

New Zealand Indian Central Association president Paul Singh Bains said it was a cheap shot. “It wasn’t in good taste, making that kind of comment,” he said. “Sometimes he makes lighthearted comments but when you do it at the expense of other nations it’s not so respectful. The media should be cautious when making cheap shots.”

While Henry didn’t return calls to the HoS, TVNZ spokeswoman Andi Brotherston said the network’s internal professional standards committee would investigate.

Dunno if Henry knows it, but Alf has been told by a mate in Delhi that news of his Dixshit jest got back to that country and was broadcast by one TV channel to its audience, who speak one of the Punjabi dialects.

The way it was told to to Alf, the news presenter fair bust his sides laughing, because the word “Henry” (when pronounced by a presenter in this particular Punjabi dialect) happens to mean “fellow with a big mouth and a penchant for masturbation”.

In English, it might translate as wanker.

Mind you, Alf by no means gives credence to this story, because his mate in Delhi is a notorious practical joker.