Fuddle Duddle

It was 40 years ago today that Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau denied mouthing an obscenity in the House of Commons.

Two members of the Opposition, Lincoln Alexander (PC, Hamilton West) and John Lundrigan (PC, Gander Twillingate) made the accusations, claiming that the prime minister said two words, one that started with an F and another that started with an O. Trudeau vehemently denied using such unparliamentary language. “I would never say anything like that.”

When pressed by reporters to reveal what words he had mouthed, the Prime Minister said they were “Fuddle-duddle.”

The exchange came early in Question Period, as Lundrigan asked Trudeau if the government planned any new programs to combat unemployment. His question was framed in a mildly derisive manner, to which the prime minister responded with the reported euphemism.

No sooner was the minced oath mouthed than merchandise was rolling off the line: sweatshirts, beanies and buttons emblazoned with “Qu’est-ce que c’est dat fuddle-duddle?”

The clip below takes you back to the scrum outside of the House of Commons on February 16, 1971.