Is the term "Pom" offensive?

Hi folks, you all have it wrong, including Wikipedia.

The term pommy comes from POME and was first used on grave stones to describe the deceased as being a Prisoner Of Mother England. :nazilock:

Can’t see how this could be offensive, with or without extra wording being tagged on.

Cheers.:wasntme:

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Originally Posted by drivesafe

The term pommy comes from POME and was first used on grave stones to describe the deceased as being a Prisoner Of Mother England. :nazilock:



Cheers.:wasntme:

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That's interesting. What source?

Did you know that you can contribute that to Wikipedia?

According to the Australian National Dictionary the word comes (earliest recorded 1912, but probably in use before then) as an abbreviation of the earlier "pomegranate" being rhyming slang for immigrant, which goes back to the early 19th century.
The other origins of the word, although more colourful, and indeed attractive, seem to have no basis in fact.

John

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Originally Posted by Ace

Well after all the uproar on the news they have declared that the term pom isnt racist as long as you dont use the word Whinging in front of it or bastard etc after is. A question for the UK members amonsgt us. Do you find being called a Pom offensive or not? Matt

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If you know a way to offend the rhino-skinned pommy b------s, please let me know.

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Originally Posted by Greylandy

As a Sef Efrican I really enjoy the banter amongst aussies, kiwi's and poms, irish, scots etc. especially when union or cricket is on. I seldom come across people that find these "nicknames" offensive ... look at the kiwi's .. they even seem happy to be called sheep shaggers ;) Only joking fellas!

Its all good I say!

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A white Zimbabwean ( sorry, Terry, Rhodesian) friend of mine used to refer to Serth Efrikans as "the van der merwes" and told "van der merwe" jokes. His father regarded Boers and kaffirs as being in the same social class (the lowest).

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Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

If you know a way to offend the rhino-skinned pommy b------s, please let me know.

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We know that calling them an Aussie doesn't work...how about this:

"I didn't quite get your accent....are you French?" :twisted:

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Originally Posted by dobbo

I was born there, have spent more years here

I am a Bastard
I whinge
I classify myself as an Aussie and couldn't give a crap if you called me a pom (in pun) in anger is a different matter alltogether
I drive English cars
I drink Irish and German beer
I love Thai, Greek and Italian food

You tell me WTF I am

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A herm_ _ ....

Well,

I had to have 2c in this thread didnt I.

I don't think the term POM is offensive anymore.

As for the POMS themselves though!:twisted: :D

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Originally Posted by FenianEel

A herm_ _ ....

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Self fertilisation is not strictly on topic unless it is a term of derision :p

As with calling anyone anything...it's probably only offensive if you intend it to be offensive