He's from Perth, where there is a large South African expat community...I'd imagine he probably heard people use the word there but may not have realised what it meant. I've spoken with a few people since this happened who just thought it was a term to describe all South Africans, like we use "Kiwi" to describe New Zealanders...even the term "Saffa" is quite similar. Still, ignorance is no defence. Brydan, just call your opponent a "c*nt" next time like everyone else and don't go fancy.
Thanks for that explanation - interesting. Actually I asked because I've lived in two different parts of Sydney with huge SA populations and have known many quite well, but maybe the people I know have been through sensitivity training and don't use that word
Completely agree ignorance is no defence. I'm not sure I'd even call someone a Kiwi or Pom in the heat of the moment - an old friend over a convivial drink maybe but not someone I didn't know well that might take it the wrong way
Oh well, you live and learn these things.
BTW Brydan, if using the c word instead as Timbo suggests, take a tip from our cricket team and don't specify what colour c, OK?