24 JUNE 2000, Page 29

From Mr Christopher Joll Sir: There is a simple and

elegant solution to the problem of the 'F' word. Exercise your editorial discretion, turn to Shake- speare (Othello, Act 1, Scene 1) and simply substitute the word `tup' (and its grammati- cal derivatives) for 'fuck'. The meaning is crystal-clear, the word is no euphemism, and the offence is non-existent.

Christopher Jon

London SW7