Santas-in-training in Australia have been warned by a recruitment firm that “ho-ho-ho” is no longer politically correct.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Westaff – which supplies hundreds of Santas across Australia – is telling trainees that the signature catchphrase could frighten children and be derogatory to women.

They suggest “ha-ha-ha,” instead.

Some Santa hopefuls have dropped out of the course in protest.

One would-be Father Christmas said he was told that the traditional expression was too close to the American slang for prostitute.

A local shopping mall manager reassured shoppers that Santa would “not be censored in any way.”

Read the full story at The Daily Telegraph.

Demetria Gallegos: 303-954-1683 or dgallegos@denverpost.com