ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fanny

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈfæni// UK //fˈæni// fan·ny Informal Slang Vulgar

n. 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.


SIMPLE

He fell right on his fanny while ice skating.

CONTEXTUAL

The tourist didn't realize that using the word fanny in London would cause such a shocked reaction from the locals.

Synonyms
Usage

In North American English, it is a mild, informal term for the buttocks; in British English, it is a vulgar term for the vulva.

Pitfall

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.

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