This from the thread linked to by Keith

Subject: RE: Is 'Piccaninnies' Non-PC ?
From: vindelis - PM
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 07:57 PM

Well you learn something new every day. I will have to add this to my list of words and terms not to be used in the 'UK' way, if I ever visit the United States.

appears to support his contention that the word did not carry the same baggage in the UK as in the US.