quenelle

[Laurence Horn]

On Jan 1, 2014, at 8:49 AM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:

> http://news.yahoo.com/spurs-39-parker-apologizes-39-quenelle-39-gesture-193301163--spt.html
> :
>
> The photograph shows Parker and a French comedian making a gesture known in
> France as a "quenelle," which critics describe as inverted [sic] Nazi
> salute. Parker said in a statement released through the Spurs that the
> photograph was taken three years ago.
>
> Said to be "anti-Semitic."
>
I noticed that too and was wondering what the connection is with the…well, go-to meaning of "quenelle", invoking restaurants or food processors.  A little Google searching reveals the connection:

“It is the trademark of the hugely controversial French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who once said he would like to put a quenelle - a rugby-ball-shaped serving of fish or meat paste - up the backside of Zionists.”

Aren't I sorry I asked?

LH

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