The term ‘Pom’ for an Englishman is used in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The common explanation is that it is derived from ‘pomegranate’ – saying the British have red cheeks or ‘Prisoner of Her Majesty’.
Why do Australia call British poms?
It comes from Sydney Rhyming Slang. ‘Pom’ is short for ‘pomegranate’, which rhymes with ‘immigrant’. It dates from a time when the majority of immigrants to Australia were from Britain, with the result that the word ‘immigrant’ was synonymous with ‘British’ in people’s minds.
Where did the term POM originate?
pom. A British person, especially one from England. (Originally applied to an immigrant from the British Isles.) The word pom has its origin in wordplay. An early, derisory term for an immigrant in Australia was the rhyming slang jimmygrant (sometimes written as Jimmy Grant), recorded in 1844.
What does Pom mean in Australia?
Pommy” (or “pom” or “pommie”) is a primarily Australian (and largely derisive) slang term used to indicate a recent immigrant from Great Britain, or a Brit in general.
Where did the term palmy come from?
palmy (adj.)
“triumphant, flourishing,” literally “worthy of the palm” (of victory or triumph), c. 1600, from palm (n. 2) in the “triumph” sense + -y (2). The meaning “full of palms” attested from 1660s.
Who are called Poms?
POMS is an acronym standing for prisoners of mother England … it’s what Australians sometimes call the British. It is also a sports team dance squad that carry pom-poms.
What does the acronym poms stand for?
POMS
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| POMS | Part of My Story |
| POMS | Production and Operations Management Society |
| POMS | Program Operations Manual System (Social Security Administration) |
| POMS | Post-Operative Morbidity Survey |
When did the term POM originate?
The first recorded use of pom comes from 1912, which is quite – but not unnaturally – early for an acronym.
Is POM a real word?
Yes, pom is in the scrabble dictionary.
Why do Aussies say mate?
In Australia, a ‘mate’ is more than just a friend and is a term that implies a sense of shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance.
What do Australians call Americans?
Seppo is most often used by Australians and New Zealanders. It’s mostly used to contemptuously refer to Americans, those bloody seppos.
What does whinging pom mean?
The Winjin’ Pom (the name is a pun on the “whinging pom”, an Aussie expression used to refer to a person of British origin who constantly complains about things he has to face) caravan is famous not only for talking but also for flying, something which occurs several episodes in after a hijack by The Crows.
What does Smoko mean in Australia?
Smoko is an Aussie slang for a short break from the daily grind of work. A little moment away from the keyboard and the cubicle to just be yourself, stretch your legs, and your mind.
What does grease the palm mean?
Give someone money in exchange for a favor; also, bribe someone. For example, If you want you luggage to make the plane, be sure to grease the porter’s palm. This term uses grease in the sense of “enrich.” [ First half of 1500s]