If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to stumble into the #london channel on the MacAdmins Slack, you may see something like this in the early Greenwich Mean Time hours:

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For most uninitiated non-Brits, you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s some kind of secret code or cult ritual (actually, maybe it is), so let’s de-mistify things.

The man in the picture is Officer Crabtree (played by Arthur Bostrom), a character from British 1980’s sit-com ‘Allo ‘Allo, set in wartime France. There are characters from France, Britain, Germany and other countries. The programme uses the device of representing each language with English spoken in a theatrical foreign accent.

Crabtree is an Englishman, but has the job of a French policeman, who comically cannot speak French. This is reflected in his accent, especially when he enters a scene to say “Good morning”, but instead says “Good moaning!”. This has since become a catchphrase in British culture (because hey, we like to moan!). His other mispronunciations often have a tone of innuendo.

To truly appreciate it, you have to see (and hear) it - so check out this video where you’ll either revel in laughter or be perplexed in misunderstanding:

So, what are you waiting for? Pop into #london and use the :goodmoaning: custom emoji yourself!

P.s. On Friday moanings, things sometimes take an interesting twist…