Great institutions have a way of becoming ingrained in a nation’s psyche, when eventually the official name makes way for a term of endearment, lovingly bestowed by its cohorts of enthralled admirers.

Two that readily spring to mind are The Times (no, the London one) and the Bank of England. Then, of course, there are thesoccer teams.

We in Malta have the Mater Dejn, and I know of no band club that doesn’t have one. The rector of the University of Malta proudly tools around in his official car with registration number UOMO 01 (or is it UOM 001?). In no time at all another institution in all its grandeur will grace our southern shores no doubt to be better known as the Beach University of Malta. Yes, B-U-M.

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