ozzieeagle

I've an idea that this controversial "handle" is starting to disappear from everyday use, certainly hardly hear it at all in Melbourne these days. I suspect Sydney will be the same on this as well. Not so sure about other places though.

The term has never worried me personally, I can honestly count on both hands in my 36 years when the term has been used in relation to me in a negative way. Most times it was always used as a affectionate knowing greeting. But it's so rarely used towards me nowadays that I would really sit up and take notice.

So is the term disappearing Australia wide or not ? Plus can you tell the difference in it's use friendly v Negative. Or how else to you feel about it's use.

BEVS

Can I join in please? I'm in New Zealand.

It is not disappearing here.

Yes. I can tell when it is friendly & when it is uncomplimentary.

Personally I am pig sick of the term.

ozzieeagle

I didn't know they even used it in New Zealand. I've always found Kiwi's to be more Anglophile than your average Aussie, maybe that's a false perception.

BEVS

Oh. They use it all right. A good many of them are only too happy to have a bit of a pop at the slightest excuse.

Gordon Barlow

If it is followed by the term "bastard", it's probably negative.

Dorothy

It's not just the English that get it. I'm always referred to as the "Yank".

livinginnyc

not been called a Pom/Pommy, but then again I don't think thats a term used in the US. I hear Crazy Brit a lot though

GarryP

I think the type of person who would use it as a term of abuse has moved on to distrusting indians, asians, chinese and 'mooslim terrorists'.

Poms are basically "one of us" in comparison.

ozzieeagle

Yes probably one factor, I also suspect it could be something to do with social media making the world smaller.... Or globalisation on the social network linking all Anglo culture in a more homogonised fashion.


I don't think young people (under 23's) use the term Pom at all.

Gordon Barlow

In response to the question posed by the OP: I can say that among Aussies (and some Kiwis) overseas - expats, that is - the answer is "no". Based on my personal experience. It is almost never used disparagingly by expats from Down Under; but it certainly is used. The same can be said of the term "Yank". Also "Canuck" - and by Australians of New Zealanders, the term "sheep-shagger".

spouse of scouse

Can't comment on the use of the word Pom, but the next Brit who calls me 'Sheila' risks a punch on the snoz.

OzTennis

I sometimes get Watcha BROOOCE in Pommyland.

I think you just have to look at the source of Australian immigrants 10 or more years ago with now to see why the term is on the wane.

scrubbedexpat094

Yep . I'm over it too.

ozzieeagle

Wasn't expecting the NZ response that's for sure. I was kind'a thinking it would be different in different parts of Australia. So that begs the question is the negativity all over NZ or different in certain locales over there ?

I've got a trip pencilled in for Wellington away with MVFC at one stage and will make a few days or couple of weeks of it....I'm curious now if to see if I will find this as well. The Victory fans that go, report back that the locals are so pleased to see away supporters that it's beers on them. I would have thought Aussies and Brits would cop it in equal measures over there if there were to be any negativity ?

Pretty sure the Kiwis cop it worse than the Brits here. All that talk about the dole and sheep etc etc... all though thats probably old hat now as well.

SoCalDon

Being a member of the Men's Shed, I, and other expat members, get called Pommy Bastards on a weekly basis. Wouldn't have it any other way. It's all about the delivery.