fanny

[ fan-ee ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural fan·nies.

1. the buttocks.

fanny

/ ˈfænɪ /

noun

1. taboo.
   the female genitals
2. the buttocks

Usage

Despite the theory that this word derives from the name `Fanny', its use in British English is still considered taboo by many people, and is likely to cause offence. In the US the word refers to the buttocks. Serious misunderstanding may therefore arise when what people in Britain know as a `bumbag' is referred to in the US as a `fanny pack'

Word History and Origins

Origin of fanny¹

1925–30; of obscure origin; relation, if any, to British fanny “vulva” (vulgar) is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of fanny¹

C20: perhaps from Fanny , pet name from Frances

Example Sentences

"A ferry service has decided to rename itself in honour of drag queens and its name is Foghorn Fanny," she says.

From BBC

Open to pianists under the age of 30 from around the world, it was established in 1961 by the renowned piano teacher Dame Fanny Waterman.

From BBC

C.R.E.O.L.E.’s roots trace back to Creole Soul, a fashion and visual research manifesto and subsequent photography project co-founded with photographer Fanny Viguier that centered on and celebrated the Creole diaspora.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel wears Wavey zig-zag top, bejeweled beanie, acid cargo pants, chrome fanny pack, Planeta neon mesh shorts, Tuzza custom reflector earring.

From Los Angeles Times

Her mother, Fanny Howe, is an acclaimed poet and novelist; her father, Carl Senna, was a civil rights activist of Mexican African descent who has written books on the history of the Black press and Colin Powell.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ass
• posterior