My version of the origin (as told to me by a Pom) was that it once again
came from the French. Apparently it was a derogotary reference to the fact
that the humble potato was a staple of the British diet. So Pomme de Terre
was shortened to Pommy and then Pom.
I guess it sounds a little nicer explanation than the reference to our
so-called convict origin -
i.e. prisoner of the motherland.
In my experience " Pommy Bastard" is almost a term of endearment used
towards the occasional one that you like (such as Alan) and always used in
their presence with a smile and a shout (at the bar of course).
The real derogotory form is "whinging pommy bastard" and not accompanied by
such an offer :-)
Bruce Hansen
ANGFA
email: bhansen at ozemail.com.au
Don't miss the ANGFA web pages at -
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
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From: drews at webgate.net
To: rainbowfish at pcug.org.au
Subject: [RML] Pommy Spam