WHAT WAS CLAIMED
“Allahu Akbar” has replaced“ Cheerio, mate!” as the most popular UK greeting.
OUR VERDICT
False. The claim originated on a satire website.
AAP FACTCHECK – A university poll has not found that "Allahu Akbar" has replaced "Cheerio, mate!" as the most popular UK greeting, despite social media claims.
The story was initially published by a satirical website but has since been shared as genuine news.
The article was posted online after new data from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed Muhammad is the most popular name for boys for the first time.
Some Facebook posts have reposted a screenshot of the article's headline – featuring an image of Muslim men praying in London – without indicating it is satire.
"'Allahu Akbar' Replaces 'Cheerio, Mate!' As Most Popular UK Greeting," the text in the image reads.