I have just had a....heated discussion with another member (who would like to remain anonymous) about calling English 'poms'.

As an Australian, it seems quite natural now.

And my argument is that if any Englishman (or women) found it offensive to be called a pom, maybe they should re think of calling us criminals...(im not one, my family came from Scotland...great grandfather from Wigan but not a criminal)

So its just a general question, no intention for harm.

I see it as a good way to have 'a go' at each other and is now...a bit of harmless fun on both sides of the fence

Do englishmen find it offensive to be called a pom???

Edited at 08:21 Sun 6/01/08 (GMT)

sticks and stones mate

i agree

what is a pom, never herd of it.....

So you do find it offensive to be called a criminal? Has anyone ever called you that on this forum?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_words_for_British#Pommy

Take note of the beginning above anything else.

I wouldnt say its offensive, if my dad ever went to australia he said he would open a bar called 'The Winging Pom' ( Bad Spelling :S)

Post removed by forum moderator

i dont find it offensive at all lol but have never called you criminals always aussies lol

The fact of the matter here is that it is irrelevant if even 99% of people consider it to be acceptable, on a worldwide forum, you must bear everyone's opinions and feelings in mind when posting or chatting.

To clarify, think of the n-word.

No-one will argue that it is totally unnaceptable to use this word in any form in casual chat, yet there are many places in the world where the n-word is considered a term of endearment.

For avoidance of doubt, www.dictionary.com defines pom as : "noun
a disparaging term for a British person (syn: pommy)"

As such, there is no reason for it to be used on funkypool especially when there are plenty of other non-offensive words to use.

This applies to all other common terms for various nationalities or segments of society. It costs nothing to be polite, but can cause much distress to some to be ignorant.

Capped.

Edited at 10:52 Sun 6/01/08 (GMT)