Word
fanny
Phoneticsfan·ny
US/ˈfæni/
UK/fˈæni/
Definitions
01the buttocks
n. your bottom. This is a common, informal word in the US and Canada.
n. the buttocks. Used as a relatively mild, informal euphemism in North American English.
“The little boy fell right on his fanny while he was learning to ice skate.”
“After sitting in the cramped economy seat for twelve hours, my fanny was completely numb.”
American English · Informal
Pitfall
I told my British boss I had a sore fanny.
I told my British boss I had a sore back.
In British English, this word refers to female genitalia and is considered vulgar; avoid using it in the UK to mean 'bottom'.
Teaching tip
Safe for general use in the US, but learners should be warned that this sense does not exist in British English.
02female genitalia
n. a vulgar word for a woman's private parts.
n. the female genitalia. A vulgar term in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.
“He got in trouble for using the word fanny in front of his teacher.”
“The comedian's routine was full of crude jokes about fannies, which offended a large portion of the audience.”
British English · Vulgar · Slang
Teaching tip
This is a significant 'false friend' between US and UK English. In the UK, it is considered quite rude and should be avoided in polite company.