"Finally, on the subject of Murkans*, this is what many people tend to call inhabitants of the North American continent. Until and unless you desist from referring to all inhabitants of this sceptr'd isle as "Brits" as though [we] were a bunch of football hooligans, I shall continue to do so and you can get over it."

I (an American citizen and proud resident of southeastern Pennsylvania -- GO PHILLIES!) have used the term " 'Merkun" here at Mudcat, too, and also without knowing about the pubic-wig connection. I am pronouncing it "MARE-kunn" with a pseudo-country drawl; what is the pronunciation of the term for a pubic wig? For me, the origin of the term is in that gawd-awful Lee Greenwood song: "...and I'm proud to be anna MARE-kunn, where at least I know I'm free..."   

Now that I know about the pubic wig, I guess I'd better stop using the term. Mannnnnn, it's been 233 years now, and you Brits are still tryin' to spoil our fun!   :-)

Well, shoot, I can't even say "Brits" anymore... or "British", either, apparently. "English"? "Englanders"?? "UKers" ("You-KAY-yers" or "YOU-kers"?)???

Oh, yes, and we don't consider Brits to be football hooligans. Americans are football hooligans. Brits are soccer hooligans!! :-D

SharonA, with tongue firmly in cheek