Obama's UK Code-Name: 'Smart Alec'

'Chalaque' arrives in Britain ahead of schedule
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 24, 2011 3:42 AM CDT
Updated May 24, 2011 5:15 AM CDT
Chalaque: President Obama Given Cheeky Nickname for UK Visit
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama step off Air Force One as they arrive at London's Stansted Airport, Monday, May 23, 2011.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

The code-name British police have given President Obama for his three-day visit to the country has raised some eyebrows among Punjabi speakers. "Chalaque" means "smart alec" in the language, and is "sometimes used when we want to denigrate someone who we think is too clever for their own good," explains a Punjabi speaker. The word—which is also the Portuguese for Cherokee—was randomly generated by computer, police sources tell the Daily Mail.

"Chalaque" and Michelle flew from Ireland to Britain last night, leaving ahead of schedule to avoid disruption from a cloud of Icelandic volcano ash. Because of the early arrival, the president was met by Lord-In-Waiting Viscount Brookeborough instead of Prince Charles, the BBC reports. Obama will have lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace today before heading to Downing Street for talks with Prime Minister David Cameron. (In other European transportation woes, Obama had some limo trouble yesterday...)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X