Reverse ferret

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Reverse ferret is a phrase used predominantly within the British media to describe a sudden reversal in an organisation's editorial or political line on a certain issue. Generally, this will involve no acknowledgement of the previous position.[1]

The term originates from Kelvin MacKenzie's time at The Sun. His preferred description of the role of journalists when it came to public figures was to "stick a ferret up their trousers". This meant making their lives uncomfortable, and was based on the supposed Northern England stunt of ferret-legging (where contestants compete to show who can endure a live ferret within their sealed trousers the longest). However, when it became clear that the tide of public opinion had turned against the paper's line, MacKenzie would burst from his office shouting "Reverse ferret!"[1][2][3] The phrase moved into general usage after it became a catchphrase in Private Eye magazine, initially in its 'Street of Shame' section, but which quickly spread throughout its more satirical newspages.

In 2014, the Mayor of New York performed a literal reverse ferret when he repealed a ban on owning domesticated ferrets within the city.[4]

Republican leaders' affirmation of support for Donald Trump—hitherto derided by Republicans competing with him for nomination as Republican presidential candidate—in October 2016 was described as a reverse ferret by The New York Times.[5]

The phrase was used in the UK Parliament at about 17:15 on 28 March 2019 by Mary Creagh in a debate relating to the Government's last-ditch defence of the UK's withdrawal deal with the EU, which had stalled in Parliament through lack of support.[6]

BBC political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, used the phrase on Twitter on 11 November 2019, when describing the action of Brexit Party leader, Nigel Farage, in standing down all the party's potential candidates in the December 2019 UK General Election who were to contest seats won by Conservatives in the 2017 UK General Election.[7]

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, also used the phrase in an interview on 13 February 2021, when discussing the easing of England's 3rd national lockdown. He used it while explaining that any steps taken must be taken carefully to avoid a "reverse ferret", suggesting we would have to return to those measures.[8]

References[]

  1. ^ a b White, Roland (6 July 2008). "Tabloid week: the reverse ferret". The Sunday Times.
  2. ^ Neil Chenoweth – Rupert Murdoch: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Media Wizard – ISBN 978-0-609-61038-1 - excerpt: http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400046881&view=excerpt Archived 4 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "MacKenzie performs a BBC reverse ferret". Broadcast. 29 March 2006. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  4. ^ Tim Walker (29 May 2014). "Reverse ferret: Mayor of New York set to repeal ban". The Independent. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  5. ^ Declan Walsh (15 October 2016). "Donald Trump and the G.O.P.: The Party of Lincoln, Reagan and, Perhaps, Extinction". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  6. ^ "Brexit: MPs asked to vote on withdrawal agreement only". BBC News Online. 28 March 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  7. ^ Kuenssberg, Laura (11 November 2019). "Farage mid reverse ferret underway..." @bbclaurak. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  8. ^ Molly Blackall (13 February 2021). "Boris Johnson 'optimistic' about easing some England lockdown measures". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2021.

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