Yes, I find it offensive. I read Peterson’s column until I see “The Lou”, and I stop reading there. I’m sure she doesn’t care whether I read it or not. I think it’s “St. Louis”. Not “St. Louie”. Not “The Lou”. Saint Louis.

Got a second call on LOU and this email:
I am begging you to please stop using this offensive phrase to indicate our fair city of St, Louis. NO ONE uses this slang term and it is so embarrassing to see it boldly spread across the front page. I was born in St. Louis, grew up here and have lived most of my life here and can’t seem to get through to you new owners/publishers of our only newspaper that it is wrong and hurts those of us who love this city. I am a long-time subscriber and I have brought this concern up before, especially with Deb Peterson who tries mightily for whatever reason known only to her to encourage the use of this term. Does anyone there listen to a paying customer like myself? Thank you.

Plenty of people use this slang! Granted, like most slang, it’s probably not one that’s being tossed around in executive meetings, governmental proceedings or among those of a certain age, but we do say it. And it was probably St. Louis native Nelly (he is a famous rapper) who brought it to its current popularity.

Every major city has its hip nicknames: Chi Town, Hotlanta, Nashvegas, Motown, Sin City, NOLA, The Big Apple, Philly, just to name a few. What about The Lou is offensive?

If you don’t believe me, just check Urban Dictionary for proof that it’s hip: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=the+lou

Deb Peterson is offensive and so is her column - her use of the word “Lou” is appropro for her.
She calls the governor “baby Gov,” but I have never heard her call Claire McCaskill “old bag senator.” Why not?

I wonder how many of these old timers are offended because this is slang that was popularized in the black community?

#5 - Since when was this popularized by the black community? Why would you try to turn it into a racial issue? That is SERIOUSLY a stretch.

“The Lou” is not cool (most people immediately think bathroom/toilet). Don’t know why Deb Peterson keeps insisting on using it as the public doesn’t like it and it is not catching on. If Ms. Peterson must have a nickname, why not have a contest for the readers? It would be fun and I’m sure someone could come up with a name a heck of a lot better.

I’ve never heard anyone call St. Louis “the Lou”. The only time I see it referenced is in the paper.

I don’t read Deb Peterson’s column.

Well, Renee. I guess I thought that because I heard it often in rap songs. I heard it among my students. I heard it in my neighborhood.

Maybe the people who are so offended should examine why they are offended. The only people I know who would think of it as a bathroom reference are either British or watch a lot of the BBC. Are these the “most people” in which you refer? And, if so, how could that possibly make you an arbitrer of what is “cool” in America?

Bottomline: that’s a LOO and we are speaking of THE LOU.

Amen, suzyjax.

I’m a 27-year-old man, and I like to consider myself somewhat hip and in touch with reality. I see and hear St. Louis called “The Lou” ALL THE TIME — on TV, on the radio and in magazines (check out ALIVE or St. Louis Magazine, in particular).

What a bunch of old farts. Everybody I know says the”Lou” when refering to St. Louis. I don’t see anything offensive about it. It’s a darned nickname for crying out loud. And, if you think of a “loo” when you hear someone say the “lou” you are just proving you should be staying home anyway and not enjoying the nice nightlife, or reastuarant scene the “Lou” has to offer because we don’t want you geriatrics driving at night anway. Besides, shouldn’t you have had your dinner at 4:00pm anyway.