Politicians, movers and shakers beware! A Herrenwitz could put an end to your career. Literally a gentleman's joke, a Herrenwitz refers to a privately shared jest among men, often about women and possibly with sexist connotations.

At the best of times they entertain and provide comic relief. At the worst of times they fall under the category of taboo. So take note: Whether in written form or regaled to office colleagues, misjudged Herrenwitze have been the downfall of many an aspiring - and even established - statesman.