Fanny is an informal word with different meanings in different varieties of English. In British English, it is a vulgarrude and offensive in polite conversation slangvery informal language used by a particular group term for female genitals. In American English, it usually means the buttocksthe two rounded parts at the back of the body or backside.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /ˈfæni/

Easy pronunciation: FAN-ee (approximate spelling).

Stress: Stress the first syllable.

This is the American sense meaning buttocks or backside. In British English, this word has a different vulgar meaning.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Fanny Meaning

buttocks; backside

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

Example: He landed on his fanny after slipping on the ice.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• arse — Common informal British synonym; can be rude.
• ass — Common informal American synonym; can be rude.
• backside — A milder informal substitute.
• behind — Common neutral-to-informal substitute.
• bottom — Common, mildly informal substitute.
• bum — Common informal British synonym.
• butt — Very common informal synonym, especially in American English.
• buttocks — More clinical or formal than most other synonyms.
• derriere — A euphemistic, mildly playful synonym.
• hindquarters — Refers to the rear part of an animal or person; less common in everyday speech.
• posterior — A more formal or polite synonym.
• rear — A common informal synonym.
• rear end — A very common informal euphemism.
• rump — Informal and somewhat old-fashioned.
• seat — A polite euphemism for the buttocks.
• tush — An informal, mild euphemism.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Other Meanings of Fanny

Meaning 2

female genitals

Part of speech: noun

Definition: external female sex organs

Example: In British English, fanny is vulgar slang for the female genitals.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• female genital organ — Anatomical term.
• female genitalia — Anatomical term.
• female genitals — Plain anatomical term.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Fanny Synonyms

Similar Meaning

• backside
• behind
• bottom
• bum
• butt
• rear end
• seat

external female sex organs

• female genital organ
• female genitalia
• female genitals

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

• Do not confuse British and American usage: in British English, fanny is vulgar slang for female genitals, while in American English it usually means buttocks.
• Do not use fanny as a polite word in British English; it is rude there.
• Do not treat every butt-related slang term as interchangeable in all contexts.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fanny mean in American English?

In American English, fanny usually means the buttocks or backside.

What does fanny mean in British English?

In British English, fanny is vulgar slang for female genitals.

Is fanny rude?

Yes. It is informal, and in British English it is especially vulgar.

What are the best synonyms for fanny?

For the American sense, strong synonyms include backside, behind, bottom, bum, butt, rear end, and seat.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-22. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.