[jgrahamc]

I'm British, we don't like to overstate things. When you see GCHQ call something "nonsense" and "utterly ridiculous" you can be assured that they are denying it.

And I think there's something more. I would read into their statement that they are very angry.

[louthy]

> I would read into their statement that they are very angry.

This is my interpretation too (as a fellow Brit). As far as diplomatic language goes, it's one step short of saying "He's a bit of a twat".

[alex_hitchins]

Yes, this is exactly that I took from it. It's a massive slap in the face. We aren't even going to bother with protocol, you a being a major bell-end.

[jgrahamc]

It's funny how you, me and louthy (in a sibling comment) all read into this "You are a total buffoon (or similar words)". I can imagine someone sitting in Cheltenham just shaking their head.

[ollie87]

American's need to start using bell-end as an insult.

[alex_hitchins]

It would be welcome relief from 'ass-hat'