ChiptBeef wrote: "It's a contraction of the 16th century word "pillicock" (describing the male member)"
Was gmc referring to me? I wonder...

After all, I am male and a member of the forum...
We must have posted about the same time as I did not see this one. I was actually sticking up for you but trying to interject a bit of humour at the same time.
You're opinionated but I don't think you are stupid and I for one would be sorry if you stopped posting. I was just trying to make the point that someone who is opinionated but with nothing else will get fed up and go away. Someone who is opoinionated but likes being challenged about his opinions and challenging others will realise that some of the posters here will make him think and stick around. I did not mean anything personal about you or anyone else.
posted by accountable
I like numpty out of that list, If I'm allowed a preference.
US guys, research gmc. He's not bashing, he pulling your plonker. (I think I got the phrase right)
I was indeed pulling your plonker, taking the ****, taking the mickey.
to illustrate how the word numpty is used The Scottish parliament is known locally as the "numpty house". Somehow it just seems more accurate. I bet you can think of several institutions that would fit the description.
posted by Arnold Layne
Believe me, the spoken word in certain parts of the UK is a whole set of different languages in themselves. What maybe common parlance in Manchester, say, may confuse the average Londoner and vice versa. The broad Geordie accent is a mistery to all outside of Newcastle.
The use of slang in Britain is common and usual and is no way meant to appear divisive. We just cant help ourselves. It is also fun to teach. Many Americans here have adopted the more common ones. I'm sure that on one occasion I said Howdie, so its rubbing off
I find the language differences entertaining and sometimes can't resist the temptation to show off. Colloquial english is full of fairly earthy expressions that seem to have fallen in to disuse in american english. Added to that is I know lots of obscure scots words as well. You will also find that the British posters will take the mickey out of regional differences amongst themselves on a fairly regular basis without taking the least offence.