Anthony Albanese taunts Christopher Pyne over the Govt's looming leadership spill on the TODAY Show. Courtesy: Channel Nine/The TODAY Show

NOT only is federal Liberal frontbencher Christopher Pyne backtracking on expressing doubts about the strength of Tony Abbott’s leadership, he may also have to explain a thinly disguised profanity. By next Tuesday.

The clearly uncomfortable education minister was not responding well to the jibes from an obviously jubilant senior Labor figure Anthony Albanese.

He finished his spiel: “We’re there to serve the Australian people, and put their needs first – and last – all the way through,” he intoned.

As the interview came to a wrap, Anthony Albanese quipped: “See you with a new leader next week”.

TENSIONS: Pyne delivers huge blow to PM

Pyne couldn’t restrain himself, instantly retorting: “See you next Tuesday”.

What?

Perhaps the Urban Dictionary can explain: “C U Next Tuesday - A clandestine method of calling someone a ****.”

Oh dear.

Or is it all in our minds?

Perhaps, the prime minister isn’t the only one whose job is on the line.

Mr Pyne has had to fight off similar allegations of profanity before.