<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ScottC:
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...</font>
I agree, it is completely amazing that there are some vast cultural differences. Something I consider to be run-of-the-mill constitutes 8 or so replies and changes to posts by flyertalk (GOD, no less).
The fact remains though that there are things in each culture which are considered offensive in other cultures. The word "twat" was mentioned elsewhere, it is normal in England, but has connotations elsewhere which make it offensive.
Part of being on an international BB is making sure that your posts do not offend those unfamiliar with your culture, but the obverse to this is realising that what may be offensive in YOUR culture might be innocuous in the posters culture.
After all, if I have to consider that what I am posting might be offensive to others (and sometimes get it wrong) why can't readers also take into account that what is offensive might be inoffensive to others? It works both ways, you know.
Dave