Offensive National Nicknames

In another forum, someone wrote that they found the term "Brit" offensive.   Is this true for other Brits among us?

Is 'Aussie' offensive to you Aussies?  Canucks?

As a Yank, I'm not offended in the least by the term, unless it's preceded by 'stupid' or something derogatory.

Most of these are just shortened forms of the country's name, so only the thinnest-skinned people would take offense.

 

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.

Is that because you're a Canadian?

 

I don't find it offensive; but I wouldn't use it (about) myself. Then again, I wouldn't use "British", except for convenience (in discussions with a foreign customs official, for instance).

When "Brit" first became popular, I assumed only other nationals could use it; but it's fairly common in the UK too, these days.

MrP