From time to time the activities carried out in Aberdeen take one by surprise.

This time it is the fact that academics at Robert Gordon University (RGU) have carried out research into the use of language by spectators at football matches, ("Curse of the terrace tweets", The Herald, March 29). It is interesting , in particular, that one of the findings reveals the verbal output from some supporters can be "elaborate and nuanced". Obviously listening to supporters at certain football stadia can be a cerebral and entertaining outing when the badinage is being exchanged.

My experience, while attending such fixtures over the years, has, I am afraid, been a bit less subtle. The usual comments of a derogatory nature have not only questioned the legitimacy of the match officials and the opposition players, but also their sexual proclivities. It is good to know that elsewhere the language utilised by supporters is of a more diverting and thought-provoking nature.

A co-author of the RGU study is reported as saying it is surprising how and why supporters swear. A conclusion I and others arrived at some time ago was that, for many, swear words form part of their everyday parlance, and therefore it does not catch one unawares that one hears such words in the stands and on the terraces at football games.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.