Which meaning of FANNY do you use?

Question

We've seen many times, that there are some significant differences between American English and British English.

Did you know that the same word FANNY has completely different meanings between the two?

In American English, the FANNY is a person's rear end, their buttocks, what British English calls bum.

In British English, the FANNY is the person's front, more typically, and pejoratively, the female genitalia.

Which meaning of FANNY do you use in your country?

Please vote in the poll.

Maybe this is why a Fanny Pack is sometimes worn on the front, and sometimes on the back.

Sunrising · Accepted Answer

The word fanny originated from Britain during the Second World War.

FANY or The First Aid Nursing Yeomany is a historic, all female independent, voluntary organisation based in the UK.

It was founded in 1907, and is one of the most decorated female units in the world.

During WW11, FANYs worked alongside the American Ambulance Corps GB and other International, Allied, and British forces.

During the War FANYs were renowned for driving ambulances, staff cars, and lorries for the British Army, and with a large presence of Allies including American Servicemen in the Britain at the time, they couldn't help noticing the females, and they took back the link to their own countries after the war.

Shy-boy53 · Accepted Answer

Being British, I’m not sure I have ever called a lady bits a fanny to be fair 😂. I do know it’s a name for it but just don’t find it quite appropriate. Plus I know a couple of girls called Fanny so don’t think of lady bits when I talk to them 😂

RandomGirl42 · Accepted Answer

Well, being American I use the American version. And isn't this why we beat Britain in the Revolutionary war? So we wouldn't have to use their silly slang meanings any more? Like Dwarf Tossing.

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

It's also a girl's name, albeit a little old fashioned. But I'd use it in phrases such "I've got the fanny flutters"

OlderAndWiser · Answer

The English get so messed up with English!

tfan1 · Answer

A Chinese Coworker Of my wife’s name was Fanny and when I first heard it, I laughed a little bit to myself. My wife asked me why it was funny and I whispered it to her in her ear and she looked shocked and I said well it’s true that for us that Fanny means butt. She immediately told her coworker in Chinese and she looked shocked And then rapidly started firing off Chinese Out of her mouth. I said what is she saying? She said she’s immediately changing her English name that she’s going by. I said good answer.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

I am very American for most of my word choices, including “fanny”. Although i rarely use the word.
One of my favorite terms that means something very different in Britain and the US is “knock me up”. 😂😂😂
I went through a phase when i was saying that to people in the British context. Which is to say “Come and visit”, but the US context makes it very funny.

DishLady · Answer

I've never heard the "front fanny" as a term at all. Fanny's always been either "rear end" or a person's nickname. I don't like to use either.

Lliam · Answer

I'm American.  "I'll paddle your fanny if you keep that up." I have called a woman's vulva various things, but never a fanny.

Shiprex · Answer

A fanny is someone (m or f) who has done something a bit dumb and they made themselves out to be stupid. This is a common non aggressive and friendly kind of ribbing done in the streets of Scotland

emeraldsaphire · Answer

First thought goes to the little pack you wear in the front, second thought an old woman's name, and third thought your caboose.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Even though I am American-born, I have always gone by the British meaning of the word. The American take on it is just weird.

LiamJHayden · Answer

To me Fanny means the pioneering all-female rock group from the early 1970's.

NathanDavis · Answer

down here... Fanny is a name, a nickname, lol

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Mostly, the as meaning but I'd probably use the pussy meaning if talking to my British girlfriend.

RavVid · Answer

As a commonwealth country we mostly conform to British usage

Bricealan · Answer

@aviatortom and we speak the same language. Sorta.

Alex-Snow · Answer

I have a lot of UK friends and generally consider it the the Vulva area

douride2 · Answer

I am in Canada & fanny has always meant my behind.

Kelly6 · Answer

@aviatortom FAnny pack is in front, so British version is correct

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Let me see. Larry Williams' 1957 hit, "Short, Fat Fannie" is one of my favourite oldies !!!

snermcger · Answer

A fanny is a ladies' front bottom.  We Americans just made it more inclusive.

Anonymous · Answer

And when there ain't nothing we say "Sweet Fanny Adams"🙂

sage2021 · Answer

It's a person's rear end. America 🇺🇸

exitseven · Answer

my Grandmother was Fanny.

Likes2drive · Answer

It’s always meant the butt to me

Brady · Answer

American meaning - a person's rear end

Cidknee · Answer

They call nuts bullocks and a cigarette a fag.

AgentG111 · Answer

Definitely the rear end.

msc545 · Answer

I don't use the term at all.

dean55au · Answer

Aussies call her front bit a fanny

Anonymous · Answer

As terrible as moist to me 🧽

Aguyinpantyhose · Answer

Also to British 'pussy' just means 'cat'.

Which meaning of FANNY do you use?

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When you hear the word 'fanny' what springs to mind?

Which meaning of FANNY do you use?

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