# fanny

/ˈfæni/ (US) · /fˈæni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fanny
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the buttocks

noun · CEFR B1 · American English · Informal

your bottom. This is a common, informal word in the US and Canada.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: Safe for general use in the US, but learners should be warned that this sense does not exist in British English.

### 2. female genitalia

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Vulgar · Slang

a vulgar word for a woman's private parts.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.