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noun Uncommon

Fanny

FA-nee

Fanny (noun) means British slang for the female genitals; American slang for the buttocks. Example: “He fell flat on his fanny.”

noun
1
British slang for the female genitals; American slang for the buttocks.
"He fell flat on his fanny."

How to use Fanny

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal body-part word — but be careful, because it means something different in British English (genitals) versus American English (bottom).

When to use it

Informal/vulgar in British English; mild and casual in American English.

UK vs US

This is a genuine trans-Atlantic trap: in the UK it's a crude term for female genitalia, while in the US it's a mild, even childish word for the backside. A "fanny pack" is harmless in America but would sound odd or rude phrased that way in the UK, where it's called a "bum bag."

Word forms

Fannys plural, fannies plural, fannies plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He fell flat on his _____.

Etymology

From "Fanny," a pet form of the name Frances, which became slang in the 19th century.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 Fanny joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
beaver beef curtains box bush cock socket cooch coochie cooter flange flaps front bottom front bum

Related words

Rhymes for Fanny

See all rhymes for Fanny →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Fanny?

"Fanny" (noun) means british slang for the female genitals; American slang for the buttocks.

What is another word for Fanny?

Other words for "Fanny" include beaver, beef curtains, box, bush, cock socket, cooch.

How do you use Fanny in a sentence?

Example: "He fell flat on his fanny."

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial