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Mikey wrote:The problem is that you assume we mean something hidden in context

Nope. It's not about what you mean, as I have said. I understand perfectly what you mean by it. I get that you don't mean it in an insulting way. I get that you're using it in a way that the dictionary confirms is accurate. I even get that you think it's unlikely that we think of it in a different way.

But the fact is that we do think of it in a different way. If you use the word European to a British person, that's what they will think you mean. Whether you think we should or not. By all means keep using it in full knowledge of that, if you want to be a dick about it.

Six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. If you understand, as you claim, what is meant by the term then interpreting it in any other way is a conscious act of misinterpretation. If I were from the South and you called me a Yankee - while I was fully aware that you meant no geographical distinction and used the word synonymously with "American" - then I as the "hearer" would be the dick if I still chose to take umbrage. This case is no different.

Now, I have no problem altering my wording because you've expressed discomfort. In fact, I think I have generally differentiated between "British" and "European" even before this conversation. However, if I had just joined and didn't read this topic, called you "European," and you took offense - while knowing full well as you say you do what I meant - then you'd likewise be the dick.

I take it from your statement, then, that if you think it's "dickish" to keep using the term "European" to encompass the British, then you'd likewise cease using the term "Yank" to mean "any American."

One of the main reasons I have stopped using the term "yank" for all Americans

Reliant121 wrote:One of the main reasons I have stopped using the term "yank" for all Americans

I shudder to think of what you use that word for now.

Well on skype he called me and Tsu "damned colonials".

Hi-larious. Everyone knows I'm a "damned savage".

Oh Deep, get a sense of humour. It's not like I refer to Americans universally as damn colonials.

You can call me a Yankee all day. I am from the North and I like the New York Yankees. Don't bother me at all.

Reliant121 wrote:Oh Deep, get a sense of humour. It's not like I refer to Americans universally as damn colonials.

Aww, so that temper is saved for me and Tsu then. I'm sure we're flattered.

Reliant121 wrote:damn colonials

Now, I take offense to that. Referring to us all by that outdated term shows a distinct lack of respect for our individuality. Obviously, the proper wording would be a much more sensitive, individualized epithet for each of us: I'd be a "damned usurous immigrant," Deep would be "revenuing redneck," and Tsu would be "brutal savage."

In the future, I'd like you to consider using kinder, gentler terms like these.

Or we could just refer to the lot of you as fucking septics.

Captain Seafort wrote:Or we could just refer to the lot of you as fucking septics.

You could, but then of course you'd have to deal with us referring to you lot of limey bastards in the manner in which we really feel.