fanny

[fan-ee]

noun

Informal.

plural

fannies 

1. the buttocks.

fanny

/ ˈfænɪ /

noun

1. taboo,  the female genitals

2. the buttocks

Usage

Despite the theory that this word derives from the name `Fanny', its use in British English is still considered taboo by many people, and is likely to cause offence. In the US the word refers to the buttocks. Serious misunderstanding may therefore arise when what people in Britain know as a `bumbag' is referred to in the US as a `fanny pack'

Word History and Origins

Origin of fanny¹

1925–30; of obscure origin; relation, if any, to British fanny “vulva” (vulgar) is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of fanny¹

C20: perhaps from Fanny , pet name from Frances

Example Sentences

There are few places I travel to without a good old fanny pack, and I may have a bit of a collection.

Read more on Salon

Accessories include a pair of headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack and an “I Promise” wristband.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The detour into stunt work in the U.S. and Hong Kong kept his skills sharp, and the Daniels showcased his expertise with the fanny pack fight in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Read more on Salon

Idioms like, my foot! or the even better my fanny!, both spoken as fed-up, impassioned versions of “Well, I don’t believe that,” were a little confusing for a while.

Read more on Salon

After that, she pulled a .25 caliber automatic handgun out of, he thinks, a fanny pack, and shot him in the other leg, Malizia said.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• ass 
• posterior