Rich_007

Whassup with the word Pom/Pommie ? Insult or friendly banter or just good craic ?

Got a couple of Aussie buddies here in Canada - we don't talk about cricket or rugby or shit like that. Just hang out, ride mountain bikes, drink cold brews, chill out and have a laugh. Buddy refers to "Poms" back home but not in a derogatory manner, just talking about life and stuff.

So have I got this right, Pom/Pommie can be complimentary or insulting depending on the way it is used ? Do you folks living d/u get the
"Pom/Pommie" verbals and stuff ?

ps I never had any hang ups with the Aussies over here, all the guys I've met have been super cool and friendly.

Discuss...

R.

Centurion

Its harmless banter, affectionate tongue in cheek if that makes sense. The only people who get wound up by it are uptight poms

flodsfive

I don't know about how the rest of the expats will feel but from my own experience it's used in the same context that you would call a australian an aussie.

I'm dual nationality and grew up half in Aus. when I'm in Aus I refer to my English hubby as a pom. I think a lot of the negative connotations have gone and I guess alot of poms (notice I did'nt say all for fear of a tyrant of abuse) are slightly tied to Englands apron strings in a good way because there is a lot about England to be proud off.

vickys

How very well worded

4500 Times

Hey

Never had an issues with being referred to as a "Pom" its like calling Americans "Yanks" or Canadians "Mounties"

vickys

Me neither

4500 Times

I just noticed your in Preston...I have family in Longton..

Lordflasheart

Hi Poms ,


I think maybe why some british expats in Aus get a bit worn from the term "Pom" is that they don't refer to themselves as Poms, where as an Australian happily refers to him/herself as an Aussie.

I guess any offense taken might be induced by the way in which the term is used. "Oi, ya Pommie bastard" from some you know, can be a term of endearment. The same phrase shouted across a pub from someone you've never met, can be a prelude to fisticuffs out the back.

D

BadgeIsBack

Or a shout or two.

dave99

I find its most often used in a way to point out that you are not from australia, to sort of establish that they are real australians where ou are just a visiting pom

So yes its often used as a subtle insult I find

northernbird

I think it is more down to the attitude and state of mind of the individual on the receiving end of the term Pom.

My observation is that people who are happy in australia don't mind it and the people who are unhappy here think they are being insulted.

Dorothy

I've never heard of a Canadian being called a Mountie unless they actually work for the RCMP. We've always been known as Canucks or maybe Hosers.

michelle doran

Called it at least once a day in my nursing job......always said in a non-offensive way, and never bothered me.
When people ask where i'm from, i often refer to myself as a pommy.

PaulandNic

I often refer to myself, or another Pom as a Pom. I have no issues with it, I am a Pom after all!

Pollyana

Same here, not a problem for me being called a Pom, and I often refer to myself as one. Plenty of Aussie mates use the term towards me as well, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I take it in the spirit its almost always meant, ie friendly. If its the worst I ever got called life wouldn't be too bad