pommy

[ pom-ee ]

noun

, (often initial capital letter)

, plural pom·mies.

1. a British person, especially one who is a recent immigrant.

pommy

/ ˈpɒmɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   sometimes capital a mildly offensive word used by Australians and New Zealanders for an English person Sometimes shortened topom

Sensitive Note

This term is usually used with disparaging intent, but sometimes it is merely a term of affectionate abuse. The context will usually show the intent: an outbreak of Pommy-bashing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommy¹

First recorded in 1910–15; origin obscure; corroborating evidence for any of the numerous fanciful etymologies proposed for the word is so far lacking

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommy¹

C20: of uncertain origin. Among a number of explanations are: (1) based on a blend of immigrant and pomegranate (alluding to the red cheeks of English immigrants); (2) from the abbreviation POME, Prisoner of Mother England (referring to convicts)