It actually started as one of those verbal dyslexia afflictions, Rev. Spooner wasn't the first, neither was it deliberate... he just happened to be documented best, so gave his name to it. It's an affliction just like Tourettes syndrome.

However, it does mean some exceedingly funny verbal clangers, like a wedding participant I heard thanking the assembled company for the delightful presents including a c*nteen of catlery.

Then there was the weather report on BBC Radio 4 which spoke of fog at Gatport Airwick.

LTS