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.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

These days it's a nightmare with PC especially in the position I'm in at them moment. Someone told me that it could be construed as offensive but I'm pretty glad that you've all told me not to worry.

Except you Neil - just remember my list!

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Lots of men that come snooping into the chatroom, seem to think I am an Asian Babe.:eek:


Everyone whose met me knows I'm just a babe.:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Are you the 'secret' Lib Dem candidate on here then?:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Gayle, if in any doubt then DO NOT use it !! find another, then you have no worries for heaven's sake. Play on the safe side. Will only wobble on your tonsils every time you utter it.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I think the only appology Gayle needs to make is if she has a Portilloesque middle name, revealed to the startled masses, at the count on election night.:p


Gayle 'Petunia' Knight.

Please God no.:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

'Portilloesque' .. can't find this in the dictionary.

You don't really think she is called Petunia do ya'? pmsl.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Sorry I made Portilloesque up. It was when everyone lauged when he lost his seat, and his middle name was revealed as Xavier, I think.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Oh yeh, get it now .. Portillo !! Thicky me :rolleyes: Xavier is a lovely name anyway.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

me too...........................do we have to have a disclaimer for everything,,,,some people are very touchy... :(

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

No, that would be BillGreene and, he is no longer secret, he has come out.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Almost every word in the language could be construed as being offensive to someone, so I wouldn't worry about it or you could very easily end up with nothing to say.

As has been remarked on many times in this forum; of all the forms of censorship we currently have to suffer, Self-censorship is the worst and most insidious. The word is part of the English Language, you are English, you should use it without feeling the need to apologise.

Multi-culturalism, a failed dogma which promotes separatness and division within the country, lies at the root of all this and should be resisted. It is about time that we all began to be proud of being English and of the cultural, social and political institutions which make us unique in the world. And, moreover, which make our country the destination of choice for refugees and immigrants from all over the world.

I love my country, with all it's imperfections and contradictions, there is no better place in all the world. We enjoy one of the most subtle, beautiful and complex languages of any in the world, which should be a matter of national pride, not embarassment!

i thought that purdah was one of the avengers? steed was my favourite.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Let's face it, lots of English words can have different meanings to people from different countries... Here's an example..:D

Last year I was innocently strolling down Patpong market in Bangkok. Table tennis bat in my hand, I was looking for a friendly game of 'Ping-Pong' (I bet some of you know where I'm going with this :D :D :D ).

A friendly Thai gentleman approached me and said "ping-pong madam."
I nodded, smiling......What a lovely country! Fancy the locals offering a friendly game of table tennis to a stranger.

I was ushered into a small dark establishment, looking around for the ping-pong table my eyes focused on....................... Well I can't say on a family website, but believe you me - I was out of there quicker than you could say red light district. :D :eek: ;)

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

It’s about time that we stopped falling over backwards for fear of offending visitors to OUR COUNTRY. If they find a legitimate ENGLISH word offensive then the solution is simple – LEAVE.

As for the PC brigade! BLACK is a colour or to be more precise the lack of any colour and I will continue to recite Baa Baa Black Sheep when called upon to do so. If this offends someone then it is too bad.

My Parker ballpoint pen uses BLACK ink. I wear BLACK shoes. I use BLACK shoe polish to clean them. I wear BLACK shirts and BLACK “T” shirts. I used to have a BLACK cat. When I look up at the sky at night I can see the stars twinkling on a BLACK background.

So come PC Brigade arrest me!

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

The dictionary definition of PURDAH is 'a screen or a curtain'...it is derived from the persian language....but it has commonly come to refer to exclusion of women....seen to be for their safety from prying male eyes.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Wait til you are on the stump Gayle, amputees everywhere up in...err arms!

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

The person who has never made a mistake never did anything-unless they were protected by the Race Relations Act! Time it was rewritten for a multi cultural society & the one sided bias removed. I have no qualms with the race, creed or colour of skin of anyone but misinterpretation of a home countrys residents on their own ground for effecing their heritage & under a democratic society that proclaims free speech for all irritates the hell out of me. I believe reams are currently being fast tracked through our local college for nationalisation but bet that "when in Rome" is not featured anywhere in the process. Carry on Gayle- it could otherwise be Lancy dialect banned next as we may be misinterpreted as being subversive.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

'purdah' ? and you “just heard” it is offensive to muslim women? I reckon you are talking rubbish… “just heard” from who? ..Can’t say its ever popped up in my conversations about pre-elections .is this a word frequently used accy these days? ..or are you are just winding people up ?

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Not a word I have heard often but like all things nowadays if you aint hitched to the Pc brigades wagon you aint wanted. We have reached the stage were what you stand for means nothing its how PC and unoffending you are. To be an individual or angelic (oops 2 "bad" words I will be hunted down for infering a religous icon and 1 person only. Better get a good lawyer) is not allowed.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

:rofl38::rofl38::rofl38::rofl38::rofl38:

Sorry for reviving an old thread, I was searching 'snooping' in relation to the last Petergate, but that made howl.

Your witty contributions are sadly missed Lettie.

More please.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

BBB .. who was that geezer?.. nice bloke..looked like Less but was abit more articulate :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Think you should carry on Gayle, we have the same rights as everyone else (or should have).

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Just noticed this is a revived thread............:confused: :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

This might clarify the situation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Definition
purdah noun
/ˈpɜː.də//ˈpɝː-/ n [U]
• (the condition of following) the custom, found in some Muslim and Hindu cultures, of women not allowing their faces to be seen by men they are not related to, either by staying in a special part of the house or by wearing a covering over their faces
The women in the village live in (strict) purdah.
In this region women seldom venture out of purdah.
• the state of not seeing or speaking to anyone
Jeff has gone into purdah while he's preparing for his exams.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Don't you just love it when ghost threads rise up from the dead? :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I apologise for that, but Lettie's ping-pong story made me laugh so much, I thought it a good opportunity to encourage her to post more.:o

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

the way i see it is that if an english word is used in england you assume the english meaning and if you want it to mean what it means in another language and be offended then go back to teh country wher it is offensive and be offended there

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Are you sure Jeff is a Muslim woman?:confused::confused::D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

No need to apologise...I enjoyed the story too, and I think the whole subject of the thread is great material for plenty more rants yet! :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

im offended that people get offended about been offended by somthing not meant to be offending :)

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

So am I, but I was hoping for a bit more of a "How dare they inflict this politically correct, namby pamby, Guardian-reading, chattering class liberal bunkum on us? It is the birthright of every God-fearing Englishman to be able to recite Baa Baa Black Sheep to his kids etc etc etc..." type response. Then Mancie could come in and tell us why we shouldn't use the word, then we could start arguing with him and go for one of those classic 500-post threads!

Personally, I blame the EU. ;)

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

now now... no need to offend the gay community now is there! :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Well I agree with every word accyman,:mosher: but don't like the election material at the bottom:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

What offence ?? "Concise Oxford English Dictionary" 11th edition revised 2008
purdah: 1. the practice in certain Muslim & Hindu societies of screening women from men or strangers by means of a curtain or all-enveloping clothes. 2. a curtain used in this way.

Where is the offensive word/comment/statement in that ? The PC clowns really do have a lot to answer too when someone like Gayle thinks she should be apologising for a perceived giving of offence due to using an ethnic word. Carry on as normal I say, & should someone feel offended, get on with it as there are no doubt things you do that offend me & others like me but we suck it up & live with it.

Remember free Country, free speech or it was the last time I looked, if you don't like it take it somewhere else & see how you get on there !!!

You chose to come to UK you weren't made to come, please accept our ways & should you not like them go back to where you were happy.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Hi

I do not think any muslim/asian women or men for that matter get offended by the word Purdah, I must have used it a dozen times today when referring to our business activities leading up to the forthcoming elections.

I think someone must sit reading a dictionary and look for words that they think might be offensive to Non-british people, in reality has anyone asked these people if words like Purdah, gollywog or Ba Ba blacksheep actually offend them. I am sure that the answer from the majority would be a resounding 'NO'

I grew up with Ba Ba Black sheep and Robertsons Jam with the gollywog on it, it did not offend me nor did it offend the majority of other non white residents of the UK.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

i used to have a gollywog badge when i was at school but when all the PC brigade stuff came out i thought it best just to tipex out teh face so as not to offend anyone..

turns out i was serverly wrong because apparently some group of people in south america had a similar idea :eek:

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Atarah has just emailed me
and I objected to some of the
words she used.

PAL, MATE, FRIEND.

I take objection to those words.
I am offended because of my religious
Culture.
:theband::theband::D:D:D:D:D:mosher:

:thankya:
Retlaw.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I remember one woman causing a song and a dance, in the Observer letters page because a nurse had called her cock, silly woman

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

nurse shoulda given her somat to moan about and tattoo'd one on her head :D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

n if i remember that report correctly, she was a gobbin?:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

If I recall, the woman who complained had just moved to Accy from down south....the nurse got suspended, but reinstated after a public outcry. I think the 'owd witch moved back down south. About 5 years ago..

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

No she was an Ossy Woman, a Gobin, lived up New Lane, still does Tealeaf

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Maybe there was more than one incident...this woman lived in Baxenden, I'm sure.....or maybe it's me...I'm starting to lose it..but I can't be...I'm only 33.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

"How dare they inflict this politically correct, namby pamby, Guardian-reading, chattering class liberal bunkum on us? It is the birthright of every God-fearing Englishman to be able to recite Baa Baa Black Sheep to his kids etc etc etc..."

I hope that helps;)

Damn these minorities coming over here being offended by the English language, when they should realise that we, the great British populace are quite prepared to offend people in any Language!
:o

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Your right jaysay she does live up new lane.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

That's more like it! Now all we need is a real live Guardian-reading, tree-hugging liberal to tell us that we musn't use the term "purdah" and we've got the makings of a good, old Accyweb ruck.

Any takers?

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Not to worry T, i lost it years ago.:D

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

I was stationed in Sheffield in 1962 - ver4y confused when almost every male that spoke to you, bus conductors, shop keepers, stall holders - addressed you as "love". A bit confusing for a Lancashire Lad, but I was living there so had to accept it.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

The word beginning with C for vagina is in the English language as well. How many people do you think I would offend if I said it on here?

I think Gayle is great for apologising for potentially causing offence even though nobody said explicitly that they are offended. As I was taught in a lecture the other day, just because nobody is protesting doesn't mean it is right.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Guess it all depends what she called it Jaysay!! :D

I'm getting really fed up of people thinking that they should perhaps be saying sorry for potentially upsetting someone....well at times we are all going to say something that might upset someone else...well thats life isnt it, tough get over it, unless somethings said with malicious intent, then no one can really take offence, and if they do, then :tongueout....get a life!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Another thing I hate is people apologising for things which happened donkeys years ago, in many case generations ago:(

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

Yep....sorry is the new Black!! ;)

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

The C word you're referring to is hundreds of years old and words which are deemed offensive today were in common usage until the seventeenth century. Fleet Street in London, for example, was known as 'Sh**barn Street' until the middle ages on account of several manure stores and it was only after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 that we started properly acquiring airs and graces.

It saddens me to read daily that some phrase or other that has been innocuous for years is now suddenly classed as offensive because the PC Brigade have had a bright idea. Blackboards becoming chalkboards is probably the worst example I can think of, yet whiteboards are perfectly fine.

Apologising for something that hasn't upset anyone is becoming too common among people who haven't set out to cause offence. Feeling obliged to cover yourself simply because there are ludricrous groups of people out there waiting to be offended is stunting this country's progress. We spend more time debating wording and who will be upset by new schemes than getting on with it and working hard to make things better.

Re: Apologies if I've caused offence
 

nothing that is white is deemed offensive unless of course its somone white talking about somthing black wether it be a blackboard or a black person were pretty much screwed if we talk about it