So I teach non-native English speakers, helping them feel confident using English and giving them a safe place to practice and expand their skills and make mistakes.
Well this evening, one of my students was summarizing some recent news and suddenly began talking about “Mr Potato” repeatedly.
I put my detective hat on and silently filed through options of what she might be trying to refer to. When I couldn’t figure it out I nicely asked for some clarity, “Mr Potato? Like Mr Potato Head the toy?”
“no no no…” and she try’s again, this time slower… Po..Ta…To
It suddenly clicked
TRUDEAU
Mr Potato was Mr Trudeau.
….and then we both laughed for a min straight.