[Peter Mackay]

Strictly speaking, ‘buggery’ is exactly the same as ‘sodomy’ – anal intercourse (not necessarily homosexual). I understand the word derives from the French name for the Bulgars, who were considered to be the epitome of depravity (pot/kettle?). In the UK, ‘bugger’ is used in all kinds of social situations as a mild expletive, without the precise connotations of its original meaning. ‘Bugger off’ can be used as a friendly alternative to ‘get lost’ and is much milder than ‘fuck off’, although the English on holiday in France are, I have heard, known as ‘les fuck-offs’ because this is the phrase they use the most. Fashions in swearing change over the years. You can probably hear ‘fuck’ several times in an evening’s television these days, whereas it was a really big deal when the Sex Pistols said it on TV in 1977. These days it is ‘cunt’ that is the most extreme word and, while you will probably come across it regularly in certain social circles, for most people it is regarded as taboo. That means, of course, that it retains a power to shock. By the way, on voyages to the States, I have come across the use of ‘bollixed’ even in very polite circles. Do Americans make a connection between this and ‘bollocks’ (i.e. testicles), from where it derives?

User Detail :  

Name : Peter Mackay, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 43, City : London, State : NA, Country : United Kingdom, Occupation : Journalist, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Peter Mackay]

The confusion over ‘rubber’ has a parallel in UK/Australian English. In the UK, the leading brand is Durex. In Australia, however, Durex is the leading brand of adhesive tape. Try unwrapping that without pulling a few hairs off…

User Detail :  

Name : Peter Mackay, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 43, City : London, State : NA, Country : United Kingdom, Occupation : Journalist, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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