The Guardian’s weekly Thursday news quiz offers a mix of topical news trivia, pop culture references, and general knowledge questions, often sparking playful debates among its readers.
This lighthearted quiz, now in its 262nd edition, has previously stirred controversy over word choices like “birbs” instead of “birds” and the casual term “baby cows.” While it avoids serious conflicts, reader reactions occasionally highlight generational or stylistic divides in language preferences.
KEY FACTS
- The Thursday news quiz includes 15 questions spanning news, general knowledge, and obscure trivia.
- Past debates include terminology like “birbs” versus “birds” and “baby cows” versus formal language.
- The quiz has faced minor complaints from readers about informal phrasing in a broadsheet context.
- Recent edition topics include a PM’s nose, a pop star’s clothes, and a kitten with too many toes.
What sparks debate in the quiz?
The quiz’s playful tone sometimes clashes with traditional broadsheet expectations, as seen when readers objected to terms like “birbs”—a popular internet slang for birds. Earlier debates also arose over the use of “baby cows,” which some considered too informal for a serious newspaper.
Despite these minor controversies, the quiz remains a popular weekly fixture, balancing trivia with humor and drawing mixed reactions from its audience.
How has the quiz evolved?
Over 262 editions, the quiz has maintained a consistent format while occasionally reflecting internet culture—sometimes to the dismay of traditionalists. Its topics vary widely, from political quirks to unusual animal facts, offering a mix of challenge and entertainment.
While the quiz avoids major disputes, small linguistic choices periodically prompt spirited feedback, revealing the tension between evolving language norms and established editorial standards.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- The quiz is a weekly feature with 15 questions on news and trivia.
- Readers have previously debated terminology, such as “birbs” and “baby cows.”
Still unconfirmed:
- Whether broader editorial adjustments will follow minor disputes.
- The specific scoring or performance metrics of past quizzes.
WHY IT MATTERS
Though lighthearted, the quiz reflects broader cultural shifts in language and media consumption. Its debates highlight how traditional news outlets navigate internet culture while maintaining credibility.
WHAT TO WATCH
Future editions may continue balancing internet slang with formal language, testing reader tolerance for playful phrasing in serious journalism.