Comments by Jeremy Paxman in which he called the Bible's book of Genesis "hogwash" during an edition of Newsnight have been ruled offensive by the BBC Trust.

The no-nonsense presenter - known for his robust style - also referred to those with a literal belief in the Old Testament as "stupid people".

The Trust's Editorial Standards Committee decided the terms were offensive to some parts of the audience and there was "no clear editorial purpose" for their use.

Hogwash.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}