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Herrenwitz

Li Fern OngFebruary 19, 2013

Is the joke on you?

https://p.dw.com/p/17h5g
Artisti di Strada a Piazza Navona, Roma © lucazzitto #40990642
Image: Fotolia/ lucazzitto

Politicians, movers and shakers beware! A Herrenwitz could put an end to your career. Literally a gentleman's joke, a Herrenwitz refers to a privately shared jest among men, often about women and possibly with sexist connotations.

At the best of times they entertain and provide comic relief. At the worst of times they fall under the category of taboo. So take note: Whether in written form or regaled to office colleagues, misjudged Herrenwitze have been the downfall of many an aspiring - and even established - statesman.