Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Penguin Books' #YourMum hashtag escalated quickly

I for one enjoy ploughing a good book, just like I do...

Christopher Hooton
Monday 09 March 2015 14:46 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ahead of Mother's Day, Penguin Books UK asked its followers 'what are you getting #YourMum?' this morning, in the hope that it could suggest some literary ideas.

This is the internet though, so obviously everyone got right to make 'your mum' jokes.

'Like the gift I provided #YourMum last night," one user said of the publishers' gift idea offer.

The Poke quickly jumped on the hashtag, and the gags rained down.

Soon people were suggesting that the gaffe was intentional – some sort of self-deprecating PR campaign.

But "Having worked for the parent company of @PenguinUKBooks, I think some of you are giving their social media team too much credit #YourMum" @JoeScaramanga wrote.

Finally, just 23 minutes after it had started, the joke had eaten itself and Penguin wrapped things up.

"Thanks for pointing our #YourMum has an alternative meaning you guys! Now back to the books..." it tweeted.

There's no word yet on whether #YourMum will be back for more tomorrow lunchtime (course she will the filthy devil), though Penguin has joked that it might take on a new form.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in