Jeremy Paxman ambushed for dodgy pronunciation of Don Quixote on University Challenge
KNOWN for his trademark mocking of University Challenge contestants for their incorrect answers, Jeremy Paxman learned what it was like to be on the receiving end of ridicule.
Jeremy Paxman ridiculed for pronunciation of 'Don Quixote'
The presenter was mocked on social media minutes after his mistake teasing him for the mispronunciation of the famous Cervantes character Don Quixote.
Paxman put the question to SOAS and the Emmanuel College Cambridge team during Monday night's BBC show.
The 66-year-old asked: “Which German composer wrote Macbeth, an 1888 symphonic poem, after Shakespeare’s play? His other works in the genre include Don Quixote and Don Juan.”
The word should instead by pronounced as ‘Hey-Hote-ee’ according to the Oxford Dictionary – leaving the host rather red faced.
Jeremy Paxman was mocked for his mispronunciation on University Challenge
Viewers did not show Paxman any mercy as they quickly joked about his mistake, which was aired on BBC 2.
One user quickly replied: “Oh dear @JeremyPaxman pronouncing Don Quixote as "quicks-oat".. It's "key-oaty" you wally. Or I've been lied to & am about to be slaughtered”.
Jeremy Paxman, do kindly stop saying Don Kwixot & Don Jewan. I know you're trying to anglicise them, but it's cringey. #UniversityChallenge,” another said.
Despite the host's mispronunciation the team still managed to correctly answer the question
Fans of the show were also impressed with Bobby Seagull's surname on the show
A third replied: “I'm not the only one: DON QUICK-ZOTE?? DON JOO-AN??? Jeremy Paxman I am disappointed in you #universitychallenge”.
The jokes continued with users saying they were disappointed with the presenter's pronunciation of the Spanish words.
One Twitter user finished: “So Jeremy Paxman can't pronounce Don Quixote, sniggers.”
Many of the show's fans were also impressed with Emmanuel College's captain Bobby Seagull and his unusual surname.