Abingdon Pub The Midget to Be Renamed

The Greene King pub in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, known as The Midget, is facing a contentious renaming after Dr. Erin Pritchard, a disability studies lecturer with dwarfism, initiated a petition citing the term as 'disablist hate speech'. In response, Greene King announced the pub would be renamed The Roaring Raindrop, referencing an MG car, which has sparked significant backlash, leading to a counter-petition that has garnered over 3,000 signatures advocating for the original name's preservation. Supporters of the name argue it is tied to local history and the automotive heritage of the area. Critics, including Pritchard, contend that the offensive connotations of the term overshadow its historical reference. The debate illustrates a broader discussion on the implications of language and the evolution of community identity. Greene King's decision to rename the pub has ignited a passionate community response reflecting both pride in local heritage and the need for sensitivity towards marginalized groups.