Who teabagged what? So to speak.

In an interview last year, President Obama referred to the conservative political movement (the self-proclaimed Tea Partiers) as teabaggers. The interview, featured in someone's new book, has caused a little semantics ruckus amongst said tea people. Apparently teabagging and tea partying are very different activities. (Although I could argue that there is a place for both at certain types of events.)

Anyhow, some Obama critics are now sticking it to the president about what passed between his lips. Some even have nailed him hard by comparing his use of the term as equivalent to using a racial slur.

I think that comparison is taking it a little far. Sure, teabagging may be considered a derogatory term to some, but it surely can’t be compared to ignorant, hate-fueled racial slurs.

Although it is important to note that insults of a sexual nature can be offensive, in this case I don’t believe it is a rock hard, oh-so-hard, analogy. Unlike many minority groups, I just can't remember the last time that a group of people with balls in their mouths went marching on Washington asking for equal rights. In fact, teabagging is so inclusive and equal opportunity, it can be enjoyed by practically everyone (sorry, lesbians).

And it’s only derogatory if used intentionally as an insult, not just poor word choice.

Case in point: I was eating out...today at a local pub, The Prince Albert, and asked my friend what she thought. Between mouthfuls of sausage (bangers, they’re called here), she acknowledged that tea wasn't her favorite beverage, but doesn't object to it being on the menu. A man nearby smoking a fag agreed.

True, true, friends. Although teabagging may be icky for some, for others it’s just Wednesday night.

And what's next? Will PETA make us guilty parties call ourselves the downward-facing-people-stylers so as not to slur man's best friend? Will we no longer be able to use the head or let our children add 52 and 17? What will those cadres of offensive plumbers do with all their spare time, become bricklayers? Will the French no longer be able to shower? Heaven forbid if the University of South Carolina has to host Oregon State in a NCAA tournament baseball match someday. OSU taking the mound; best catcher in college baseball. USC pitcher tossing a fast slider. Triple-X SI pages full of slur-tastic sports references.

I think that the true solution for Tea Partiers, the makers of Nads hair removal cream, Apple, the manufacturer of the iPad sanitary napkin computing device, and the creators of Horlick’s hot malty drink is this: do a little Urban Dictionary search before you give yourself a multiple-entendre-loaded moniker such as these. It might prevent unplanned word ejaculations.

I think Mr. Freud would agree that the president was victim of a simple slip of the tongue. And I can't blame Obama. Not only are the two terms similar, but trying to navigate the innuendo of our loaded language is like trying to drive in England -- she's always so wet that you're eventually going to ram your Woody into some thick bush.

Tomorrow's blog: Favorite recipes, featuring fish tacos, salty meatballs, and spotted dick.