Ah. Of course, that's quite different. You were quite clear that it was your feeling. Derogatory and offensive are synonyms, yet I did misquote you, although I didn't intend to examine your opinion in detail. I wondered if that same opinion was shared by others who abide in the UK, et al. If indeed that term is seen as a pejorative by a good number of Brits, then I and others should be sensitive to that. If, however, most Englanders, Scotsman, Scotswomen, Scotspeople, et al find the term endearing and fine, then I and others should feel free to speak and write as we always have without worry of causing offense/implying derision, etc.