pommy

[pom-ee]

noun, plural pom·mies. (often initial capital letter) Slang: Usually Disparaging. (in Australia and New Zealand)

a British person, especially one who is a recent immigrant.

Also pom·mie, pom.

Origin of pommy

First recorded in 1910–15; origin obscure; corroborating evidence for any of the numerous fanciful etymologies proposed for the word is so far lacking

Usage note

This term is usually used with disparaging intent, but sometimes it is merely a term of affectionate abuse. The context will usually show the intent: an outbreak of Pommy-bashing.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for pommy

pommy

noun plural -mies

(sometimes capital) slang a mildly offensive word used by Australians and New Zealanders for an English personSometimes shortened to: pom

Word Origin for pommy

C20: of uncertain origin. Among a number of explanations are: (1) based on a blend of immigrant and pomegranate (alluding to the red cheeks of English immigrants); (2) from the abbreviation POME, Prisoner of Mother England (referring to convicts)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012