WARNING: Accidental coarse language. THE PROJECT'S Carrie Bickmore was left red-faced after an embarrassing mispronunciation of the word 'Qantas' on live television.

NOT since an old joke about Cunard merging with Aer Lingus has an airline's name sounded so rude, nor so mischievously funny.

But Carrie Bickmore wasn't delivering a naughty gag with the finesse of the Two Ronnies, she just blurted out an accidental obscenity.

It's not exactly original, being a popular name play among Qantas customers at those times when the airline fails to meet their expectations, but you usually only hear it in the airport lounge, not on national television.

To hear it, you'll have to watch this video, but please don't hit play if you are offended by very coarse language, accidental or otherwise.

Last night Bickmore tweeted: "Any publicity is good publicity right??!! Sorry @qantasairways and my nan."

Today Qantas forgave Bickmore by tweeting: "We forgive you Carrie. We're sure it wasn't intentional :)".