Siobhán McSweeney: How would you sum yourself up in three words? — FLAPSS

The question

How would you sum yourself up in three words?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this exact standing prompt.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

SM

Siobhán McSweeney

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Loving, odd, playful. Jeepers, I’ve described myself like a damaged rescue puppy.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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Fiercely loyal, funny, easy-going. I’m sure my daughter and stepdaughters wouldn’t agree with the last bit, but I think I am.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Middle-class wanker.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 October 2025 source ↗

Marina Diamandis

Cheerful, sensitive, sassy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 June 2025 source ↗

Stephen Sondheim Composer and lyricist for the musical theatre

You're so nice. You're not good, you're not bad, You're just nice. I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just right. I'm the witch. You're the world.

Recorded N/A, N/A, N/A source ↗

More from Siobhán McSweeney

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Question Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? Taste & recommendation

I feel no shame about not reading a book. That’s silly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

So many. I have been very cowardly in the past, and it came across as me not caring, when the opposite was true.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

A better knee and better lungs.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As Tilda Swinton in a fat suit.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What disappointment has stayed with you longest? Failure & regret

Politics. And casting directors.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

“Sorry, I don’t mean to insult you, but did you know you look a bit like that actress Siobhán McSweeney?”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

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