Same language but Different I just saw a post by some one and its made me think and now I have...

Convivial · 26-30, F

The Yanks like to change things... What's a bum bag to us is a fanny pack to them... Same for gallons, they're different too

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

I once knew an American who told some British kids to put their 'fanny packs" away.

Uncfred · 61-69, M

You have "hit the nail on the head", the things you and the comment below highlight are correct, and also the way they spell words too. I have spell check on my pc, it keeps correcting my spelling of some English words.

Flipper111 · 51-55, M

It can make for some interetesting misunderstandings and looks of shock sometimes..

wonkywinky · 51-55, M

The line in "Legs" by ZZTop that goes"Shes got legs,right up to her fanny"always raises a schoolboy giggle...

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

Sweet Fanny Adams, I have no idea! But I'm American, so it doesn't often come up.

oldercanuck1 · 70-79, M

Yes distance changes many things in language ,,, a fag is a smoke in the UK ,, and someone of different likings over here ,,, just like at one thing gay meant you where happy ,,

Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M

As asked and answered on Quora:

[quote][b]

Why does the word 'fanny' mean something different in the US and UK? How did that happen?

All related (37)

Recommended

Profile photo for Luke Davis
Luke Davis
Lives in England (1973–present)Author has 460 answers and 307K answer views1y
Related

No one has a patent for the language, and it is very common for words to change meaning depending who is using them and they do not need to travel so far, it happens even in closer neighbourhoods of the same city.

The word came probably from French. From Old French Franceise, feminine form of Franceis, from Late Latin Franciscus (“Frankish”). A female given name, feminine form of Francis, and the pet form is: Fannie, Fanny, Fran, Francie, Frannie, Franny

In Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, is vulgar and describe the female genitalia.

In Canada and the US is informal the buttocks.

The word fanny is originally a British naval term for a Mess kettle or cooking pot. This British naval slang sense derives from Fanny Adams. Tins of mutton introduced as rations were not liked by the sailors and were taken by them to contain the butchered remains of Fanny Adams who had been brutally murdered and dismembered. The tins were re-used for eating from and cooking with.
10.1K viewsView upvotesAnswer requested by
Kefa James[/b][/quote]