Language

Animal stories abound in Manchester this week, not that we’re complaining. We like animals – especially ones that swear. Charlie, an African Grey parrot who usually lives in Bury with his owner, likes to swear...and he’s escaped. That’s right – this really is news around here. At least it gives the local rags the chance to play with headlines such as ‘Oh ****! Charlie the swearing parrot takes off.’ Shameless.

If you’re in the Bury area and you hear a bit of offensive squawking, look up. You’ve probably found Charlie. And he might not respond too well to a simple ‘here pretty boy’. Try a more sergeant major like ‘get the f*uck down here now you little runt.’ It might work a little better.