Dellortoman
Hero member
- Location
- Tasmania, Australia
I believe the word Pommy comes from the French "pomme" (apple) and refers to the rosy pink cheeks of the English. It supposedly dates back to an era when the French and English were regularly puncturing each other with swords and arrows. A racial slur would make no sense in that context as the French and English are of the same "white European" racial group. At worst it's a slur against redheads rather than race. I presume there are fewer redheads in France.
I can guarantee that Vince had no racism in mind when using the term. Knowing the man's generosity of spirit, I think he'd be mortified if his words were taken that way.
Australians tend to use the word Pommy in a friendly and perhaps mischievously humorous way. Likewise, we often use seemingly derogatory terms such as "you old bastard" while shaking the hand of a friend. I guess it's a cultural thing that we express our friendship by insulting each other all the time. I suppose it could alarm a non-Australian who overhears such an exchange, but there's no need for alarm. It's a term of endearment.
At the risk of causing further offence, it seems to me that in recent years people in general have become overly sensitive and quick to get offended about particular words. I don't understand how "Pommy" can be a racist slur when it doesn't refer to race. It refers to nationality (nationality and race are very different things). It's like calling Australians "diggers" or New Zealanders "kiwis". There's no racial implication and no offence is intended. For some reason that escapes me, we like to use nicknames for everything.
I can guarantee that Vince had no racism in mind when using the term. Knowing the man's generosity of spirit, I think he'd be mortified if his words were taken that way.
Australians tend to use the word Pommy in a friendly and perhaps mischievously humorous way. Likewise, we often use seemingly derogatory terms such as "you old bastard" while shaking the hand of a friend. I guess it's a cultural thing that we express our friendship by insulting each other all the time. I suppose it could alarm a non-Australian who overhears such an exchange, but there's no need for alarm. It's a term of endearment.
At the risk of causing further offence, it seems to me that in recent years people in general have become overly sensitive and quick to get offended about particular words. I don't understand how "Pommy" can be a racist slur when it doesn't refer to race. It refers to nationality (nationality and race are very different things). It's like calling Australians "diggers" or New Zealanders "kiwis". There's no racial implication and no offence is intended. For some reason that escapes me, we like to use nicknames for everything.