My original post was there to assist not to be the subject of any dislike that you may have of me

It just doesn't matter. No one will think you are crude for saying "fanny pack" any more than if you say "Fanny Farmer Chocolates." It's simply not a problem to the urbane, and who cares what anyone who isn't thinks?

Perhaps the moderator has a view

Never heard of them - must be a stateside product

A word that is totally offensive in any language ought to be avoided IMHO. If it means X in American English and Y in British English and is an offensvie word in British English, I'd really avoid using it so as not to offend.

Is that so hard a concept for you to accept, Robes? Or do you think American English trumps British English because we won the war?

It's really just a matter of being sensitive and polite, I think....oh, and perhaps that's exactly the problem.

Exactly my point, thanks StCirq

Yep. You're welcome, flybob. Life's too short to spend it pissing people off for no good reason.

Wednesday, I know exactly what you mean. We've lived in the south for over 30 years and when we travel north to visit family, I have to think about which side of the Mason-Dixon line I'm on when I order my tea! When I forget, I'm nailed as a southerner, even when I'm in my hometown!

A word that is totally offensive in any language ought to be avoided IMHO. <font color="blue">I agree.</font> If it means X in American English and Y in British English and is an offensvie word in British English, I'd really avoid using it so as not to offend. <font color="blue">The question is whether it's offensive to sophisticated Brits. I say it isn't.</font>

Is that so hard a concept for you to accept, Robes? <font color="blue">Huh?</font> Or do you think American English trumps British English because we won the war? <font color="blue">Why so competitive?</font>

It's really just a matter of being sensitive and polite, I think....oh, and perhaps that's exactly the problem. <font color="blue">And you're not being catty, are you?</font>

Sorry Robespierre, I agree with flybob on this one. You are wrong

blightboy, you have only two posts.
Are you undercover?

Just joined

I'm with Robespierre on this one (and I am English). I can't imagine anyone actually being offended by the use of 'fanny-pack', but it might make a few people giggle a bit. It would be rather like referring to your cat as a 'pussy' - sometimes resulting a carry-on film sort of snigger, but no actual offense. Some people might think it is funny, but it's not offensive.

It's not like saying a c***-pack.

&lt;&lt;&lt; Oh, and should I trade in my currency for the Euro or the Pound or will US Dollars be accepted easily? &gt;&gt;

st cirq is way off base. this is not an offensive word in britain if used in this context. in fact, it is a womans' name. most people are well aware of the american usage of this word.

there is no need to walk on cultural eggshells. in fact, it's insulting to imply that we can't handle hearing a term that is used by what is probably the vast majority of the english speaking world (or at least a significant part of it...and the part that produces most of our movies and many of our books, and some of our television). give me a break is right.

Actually, just stop wearing those tacky, ugly fanny/bum whatever packs and the problem will be easily solved.

That's true! We don't care what you call them but the only British people you will ever see wearing one is a market stall holder, for easy access to change, no-one else at all.

Here's my reverse anecdote -- what &quot;screams native&quot;?

I cannot tell you how many times on a trip to Europe in the mid-1990s that I was asked for directions, as if I (!) knew where I was. And oddly, it was just not in one place. In the span of two weeks, I was approached by visitors to Prague (some nice older people from the countryside...asking in Czech...AND I was able to give it to them), London (Scottish guy on the Tube and in London for business), and Munich (Brits or Americans if I recall), to inquire how to get somewhere.

Do I look European or was I dressing &quot;less American&quot;? If I remember, I was not wearing jeans, but either a skirt and light jacket or khaki pants. I have habitually worn little &quot;European&quot; eyeglasses, and never sneakers. Hmmm...

I always take that kind of experience as a compliment that I do not &quot;scream tourist.&quot; LOL!

Nothing screams &quot;tourist&quot; like an obsession with not being recognized as a tourist.

Surefire way to identify tourists: the people who aren't biting their fingernails.