Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I've been told that the word 'purdah' which I've been using to describe the period before an election can also be offensive to muslims as it also can mean the time when muslim women have to be excluded from society during their menstruation. I didn't know this and only knew the meaning that it was related to elections. So, if I've caused offence I apologise.

I shall just have to call this period the same as my 'confused' friend who calls it Prada. I have pointed out to her that must mean it's 'handbags at dawn'. lol

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I think 'Prada' is very apt.....but don't get into trouble with the fashion people Gayle.....or it could cost you money.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Purdah is a political word used in exactly the context you are using it.. Its also one of the chancellor of the exchequer main terms..

How many muslim women do you think are on accyweb... that know you use that word and would think you are offending them? I would guess the figure to be quite low. in fact in the nill to nought range... Sorry... Just wondering why the announcement and public apology?

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

See Kipax, that's what I always thought, that it was just a political term but now that I know it's not just a political term I feel guilty about it. I don't like to offend so just thought I'd mention it.

What does everyone else think - should I carry on using it and not worry about it or should I avoid it now that I know the other connotations?

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Is it just Muslim women? Or will you be investigating every word you use and cease using any that could offend someone if used in there language? If you are then you will have a limited dictionary to play with. If not then why not?

Ya did say ya was bored... but.... :)

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Gayle please continue to use the word purdah it's a word which has been in use for exactly the purpose that you're using it for a long time.

In fact if you decist to use the word purdah, in it's political context, I shall be offended :engsmil:

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Fair enough!

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Yeah, if they don't like it, they know where to go.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Purdah is a perfectly legitimate word in the English language. I believe that we are currently in England where the English language is spoken. Therefore this word is not offensive in its English context. Believe me, if this word was deemed to cause offence to anyone, the PC Brigade would have outlawed it by now...:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Absolutely.We are'nt even allowed to use the nursery rhyme baa baa black sheep anymore in case it offend's,we have to call them rainbow sheep now.I think it is an absolute disgrace that they are banning everything just so that it doesn't offend them.At the end of the day if they don't like it here they can all sod of back home.I mean if a asian woman walks into a shop with a black cloth on her head, nothing is said, but if a white guy walks in with a balaclava on, then he is likely to get arrested, where is the fairness in that I ask?

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Agree with Lettie on this. Its bad enough as it is without appologising for using words from the dictionary that are legit with a meening different to others.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I CANNOT BE OFFENDED BY ANYTHING. IM FROM BURNLEY.:not_ripe:

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Gayle I find the word's Politician, Politics, Labour and Conservative offensive. Please stop using them at once!!

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Agree with Lettie on this. Its bad enough as it is without appologising for using words from the dictionary that are legit with a meening different to others.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

The term purdah means isolation of women and, strictly, it has nothing to do with the menstrual cycle. It encompasses the practice of covering oneself from head to toe in public and not appearing outside the home without a chaperone. Maybe some of our politicians should follow it more literally.

It's a word we have adopted from the Indian subcontinent, like pukka for excellent, tiffin for a light meal and even jodhpurs which are named after an Indian city, and it sits alongside all the words from other languages that have enriched English over the centuries. It's not offensive, was never meant to be and could only be thought so by the most paranoid of the Politically Correct.

Stop worrying.