I understand that the word might be offensive, and I do apologize.
2006-08-12 13:04:41 · 3 answers · asked by ohmycinderella 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
According to wikipedia: One theory is that, as the majority of early immigrants to Australia were British, it is rhyming slang for "immigrant" from a contraction of the word "pomegranate", or possibly more directly related to the appearance of the fruit, as it bears a more than passing resemblance to the typical pale complexioned Briton's skin after his or her first few days living under the hot Australian sun.
2006-08-12 13:35:04 · answer #1 · answered by cyberdjinn2k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is quite simple. POM is a Person Of the Mother country meaning England. As an Aussie we never use pommegranate in rhyming slang EVER.
2006-08-12 14:52:52 · answer #2 · answered by Dave D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A former student of mine from South Africa explained it to me like this: A "Pomme", or apple is red. When the English have been out in the sun for a while, guess what color their necks become? Yep, RED. So, they call them Poms.
I don't think it disrespectful...just a quirky angle on a valid observation.. But, like you, I'll also add that I don;t want to offend anyone with this response. Not intended.
2006-08-12 13:10:20 · answer #3 · answered by stevenB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋