fanny
n. countablen. a word for a person's bottom in American English, or a woman's private parts in British English. You should be careful because it is much more offensive in the UK than in the US.
n. refers to the buttocks in North American English, where it is considered mild or childish. In British, Australian, and New Zealand English, it refers to the female genitalia and is considered vulgar.
He fell right on his fanny while ice skating.
The tourist didn't realize that using the word fanny in London would cause such a shocked reaction from the locals.
In North American English, it is a mild, informal term for the buttocks; in British English, it is a vulgar term for the vulva.
She wore a fanny pack in LondonShe wore a waist bag in LondonIn the UK, 'fanny' is a vulgar term for female genitalia, so 'fanny pack' can sound very offensive; 'bum bag' or 'waist bag' is preferred.
Last updated May 6, 2026