Please respond directly to me. I am not the contributor from Virginia. I am the contributor from Essex UK. My name is Tam or Tamara or VT or VirginiaTam, if you prefer. Take your pick. Just talk to me not around me.

If the term is, as you say, widely spread and in use among Americans, that is different. "We can poke fun because we are one."

If it is widely spread in the UK/Europe, how is it that I do not hear or see it in the UK? I have taken abuse and overheard abuse targetting Americans, F2F, on radio and telly. But not that term, except by Rory Bremner and Jon Culshaw parodying George W. They are not name calling when doing an impression. Your use is direct insult not an impression done for a laugh.

Some months ago when I first saw it used by you, I mentioned the term to a non Mudcatting, English/Catholic/Gay friend. He immediately picked up on the insinuation to pubic wig and thought it extremely insulting to Americans. Is it a gay thing, a young thing, a catholic thing? I don't think so. It is a respect thing.

I had supposed the connotation was relatively recent. Samuel Pepys mentions merkins. But was he referring to the head wig fashion or the custom by prostitutes to shave the business area and wear a wig? Rake that Samuel was, I am inclined to think the latter. I really should read him again. Been too long.

Anyway, I still don't like the term.