HAVING fought racism all my life, I was nevertheless quite amazed to learn that Jim Bowen had reluctantly resigned from his radio show after a gaffe which left his employers embarrassed.

What indiscretion did he use to get his bosses in a flap? None other than 'nig nog'.

To my knowledge, and dictionaries in general, this word refers to a 'stupid person' mostly, I add, in witticism, teasing or fun.

However, sadly, I find present day dictionaries omit the word.

It really is coming to something if we can't enjoy a laugh -- even if this is directed at ourselves.

Moreover, political correctness has gone mad and I am sure the race relations agencies would agree.

We must be sensible without going overboard. Indeed, if this word was being used in a derogatory manner, it would be quite different, but there are plenty such words in the English language that have more than one meaning and can cause embarrassment, but we don't ban them.

Please let us show some good old fashioned common sense about issues like this in the future.

J Hunt, Carrfield, Bamber Bridge.