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09 March 2007

AskMeCha: Why would the phrase "bouffant hairdo" offend Jews?→[More:]In today's Times, Daniel Finklestein suggests that describing Lord Levy's hairdo as "bouffant" is insensitive to Jews. Does anyone know what he means? Is there some anti-Semitic stereotype here that I don't know about?

post by: matthewr at: 06:21 | 5 comments

I have absolutely no idea why the bouffant thing would be seen as offensive (unless it was aimed at a wig-wearing Jewish woman?), but I cannot sodding believe that any paper ran a story on Levy under 'You've got to pick a pocket or two'.

posted by jack_mo 09 March | 06:34

(Ah, a quick Googling suggests the portrayal of Levy as Fagin was on Rory Bremner's show, but no sign of a headline.)

posted by jack_mo 09 March | 06:38

Bouffant brings to mind '50s and early '60s hairdos and nothing else. Certainly nothing to do with Jews.

posted by deborah 09 March | 12:29

Mystifying.

I've emailed Finkelstein; hopefully he will demystify us shortly.

posted by matthewr 09 March | 12:36

A bouffant hairdo offends everyone, doesn't it?

posted by King of Prontopia 09 March | 16:19

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