Thadocta, somehow I JUST KNEW the "we Australians use it all the time" arguement would come up... This is at least the 5th time I've read this on FT, when will someone in Australia go on TV and explain that calling someone this is NOT FUNNY and is obviously only accepted by fellow Australians??? Whether Patron is European or not, it's simply not done and never ceases to amaze me that some people don't understand this. I don't think it's just Europeans that would find this offensive, I doubt you'll find anyone (except Australians then) that find it acceptable.

Nothing personal here, just my amazement at some cultural differences...