A false etymology common in both Australia and New Zealand is that pom originated as an acronym for "prisoner of (his/her) majesty" or "prisoner of mother England".
The Oxford English Dictionary strongly supports the theory that pommy originated as a contraction of "pomegranate". The OED also suggests that the reason for this is that pomegranate is extinct Australian rhyming slang for immigrant; it cites an article from 14 November 1912, in a once-prominent Australian weekly magazine The Bulletin: "The other day a Pummy Grant (assisted immigrant) was handed a bridle and told to catch a horse."
Can't argue with the truth... but does it mean that all immigrants are Poms?
I think I might defend the term Pom, if I heard someone calling an Indian, Greek or Finnish person a Pom.
"No, no. That's not right, only Brits can be called Poms!"
So, offended? Hardly...
Interestingly the term pom is also used for migrants to south africa. A bit off topic but there none the less.
I call myself one although I try not to be a whinging one! Have never encountered any negative comments. I like the fact that people refer to themselves as pom or kiwi etc!
I also thought it referred to 'Proud of Mother England' so no I don't think it's offensive in the slightest.
Besides it's the way the word is used rather than what it necessarily means.
Aussies don't usually use it in a deragatory way so in which case it wouldn't be offensive.
Anyone who does think it's offensive should perhaps be rethinking whether they should be moving / living in Oz.
..i've got no problem with being called a Pom..call myself one!..my OH was called Pommy Kris when he worked in Aus by all his workmates..i wonder if as generations have gone by and it is more and more multi-cultural, whether it has become more endearing..i'm sure when my Mum and Dad emigrated in 1966 my Dad said it was used in more derogatory terms once or twice to him..we (me, OH and kids) never encountered that ourselves..always in very friendly banter, especially in sport!.. Tess
Interestingly the term pom is also used for migrants to south africa. A bit off topic but there none the less.
Hi folks,
I worked in Thailand for 2 years...and it took a bit of getting used to being referred to as "The Farang"...but get used to and became acceptant I did...So I can't see being called a "Pom" going to be too much of a problem...although I admit to taking exception when I was continually called "English" when working in the U.S.
I am sure there similar "terms of endearment" everywhere?
I worked in Thailand for 2 years...and it took a bit of getting used to being referred to as "The Farang"...but get used to and became acceptant I did...So I can't see being called a "Pom" going to be too much of a problem...although I admit to taking exception when I was continually called "English" when working in the U.S.
I am sure there similar "terms of endearment" everywhere?
Mac
What's wrong with being called English? (Unless your Scotish, Welsh or Irish of course!)
