Tired of sniggers, Austrian village tweaks its name to Fugging
- Residents are tired of local signs being stolen because the name of the village is spelt like a swear word in English
An Austrian village is changing its name, the mayor of the municipality where it is located said on Thursday, after residents apparently grew tired of the sniggers it prompted in the English-speaking world and of visitors stealing its signs.
The village, part of the municipality of Tarsdorf, north of Salzburg and near the German border, has long been a figure of fun in overseas media because of its name, which is spelt like a swear word in English.
News outlets have often gleefully reported exasperation from the local community in F***ing at signs being removed.
“I am confirming that it has in fact been decided by the local council. I will not say any more about it,” said Tarsdorf Mayor Andrea Holzner. The decision was also posted on the council’s website.
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As of January 1 the village will be called Fugging, the official statement said, adding that the initiative had been brought by the residents of the village.
Locals had been pushing for a name change for years.
The name has not solely been a burden, however: last year, activists enlisted the name of their village in the fight for climate protection. They placed placards above and below a town sign to make it read “Because our climate is – F***ing – important!”
Additional reporting by DPA
