From: news@yoss1960.ukfsn.org   
      
   On Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:40:58 +0000, fozzi wrote:   
      
   > It is not often mentioned in the explanations but I also think the fact that   
   > british soldiers referred to themselves as 'tommies' (after the thompson sub   
   > machine gun) is significant.   
      
   I don't think that the nickname was self-applied, but haven't found any   
   sources to confirm or deny that thought.  What's even more confusing is   
   the fact that the Thompson was an American gun.  Although the British   
   used it, of course.   
      
   > I think I should also point out that it is not always meant in a derogatory   
   > sence, that such a sence exists is true, but it can also be meant as an   
      
   True, in the same way you might call your best mate a "bit of a twat".   
      
   >meant as an affectionate jibe, it can also convey a level of respect. It   
   >is hard to believe for those who dont associate with ausies often but   
   >those who do will confirm when i tell you that we are often extremely   
   >insulting (taking the words we use at their face value) to our closest   
   >friends. Many of us actually enjoy being on the receiving end of an   
   >insult that has been well thought out.   
      
   People that know me have to get used to that, too.  In fact, insulting   
   your mates in this fashion has been going on over here for years.  Maybe   
   you guys do it more, but I wouldn't place money on that bet.   
      
   --   
    Regards  _   
            / )           "The blindingly obvious is   
           / _)rad        never immediately apparent"   
      
   No guarantee the stimuli must be perceived the same...   
   Gary Gilmore's Eyes - The Adverts   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)