Roger McGough: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

RM

Roger McGough

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

A lady came up to me in Tesco last year and said, “Excuse me, but didn’t you used to be Roger McGough?”

The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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People give me a hard time about my hats. Over Christmas, this drunk woman shouted something about me having a shit hat because I had a red beanie on. Last week at a party, someone gave me a hard time for wearing a cap. I just think about melting ice caps when this happens.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2024 source ↗

Sharon Corr Musical artist

I can’t disclose that because it’s not suitable for public airing, but it was truly awful; they’ve since said worse.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 June 2023 source ↗

Some man in the street stopped me and said: “If you were a few inches taller you’d be dangerous.” I’ve no idea what he meant.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 October 2024 source ↗

A fellow artist called me a flaneur!

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 June 2026 source ↗

More from Roger McGough

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Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

I’m irritated by critics and academics who dismiss poetry that is popular, comprehensible or humorous.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

Last Sunday when all the family came round to celebrate my 88th birthday. (Or was it Saturday. Or the week before, perhaps?)

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

That it will go on quite happily without me.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Unimpeachable, nonpareil, self‑effacing.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Losing track (see above).

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Question As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? Identity & self

I had dreams of becoming the first scouse pope. Unfortunately, the girls got to me first.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

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