# I pit flags **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 23, 2004, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078 "2004-08-23T12:33:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![nonpolar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3da27b/32.png) [@nonpolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nonpolar)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/21 "2004-08-23T17:20:13Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Thanks for the URL, laina\_f. However, I must disagree with Josh on the flag ratings. My favorite part of the almanac is the flag section, too. > > Coolest flags: > > United States- classic design although the world’s most changed flag. > > Confederate Battle Flag- Although what it stood for is not admirable, as a graphic design it rocks. > > United Kingdom- another great graphic design. > > Greece- does a lot with just two colors > > Canada- simplicity and symmetry > > Uncoolest: > > Libya- No graphics at all > > any flag with a star between the horns of a crescent moon- astronomically impossible. Coolest flag of them all ougth to be Imperial Japanese rising sun flag.No question about it. USA flag has too many details on it ,stars ,stripes etc. it just to much for my eyes. European Union flag is very cool, 12 stars on a blue background, very nice. ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/22 "2004-08-23T17:34:07Z")
> [@MGibson](#): > > Why do you refer to an entire group of people as septics? Do you have something against us in particular or are you just an all around asshole? > > Marc Oh for fuck’s sake. I was going to post something to the effect of “Septics? I thought we didn’t allow hate speach here” But I was going to be kidding. It’s a (somewhat) common slang term. No, it’s not meant to be complimentary exactly…but then neither is “Yank” :D" Lighten up. They’re allowed to make fun of us, they’re practically the only friends we have left :). ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/23 "2004-08-23T18:05:45Z")
> [@roger thornhill](#): > > Mark of a totalitarian society - one that has a flag desecration law, or some such nonsense. Well, that’s going a bit far. Inasmuch as America has them and is not a totalitarian state. That said, we’re a bit silly about it. I remember explaining to some incedulous Limeys (note derogatory slang for Brits) that it was forbidden to let the flag touch the ground. And that if it did you had to burn it. And then having to explain the anti-flag burning legislation… It was rather a relief to be in England and not having flags wavewd at me everywhere…though i did have to put up with thousand of football related English flags…till y’all lost miserably _ducks and runs back to America_ ---
**Author:** ![kellner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c2a13f/32.png) [@kellner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kellner)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/24 "2004-08-23T18:37:59Z")
> [@betenoir](#): > > That said, we’re a bit silly about it. I remember explaining to some incedulous Limeys (note derogatory slang for Brits) that it was forbidden to let the flag touch the ground. And that if it did you had to burn it. And then having to explain the anti-flag burning legislation… From my window I can see a courthouse with two flagpoles in front. Whenever they fly their flags at half-staff, the lower portion rests on the ground because the size simply doesn’t match the pole. Outside of the Army people here usually do not care about such things. During the last election a right-winged governor/senator raised the issue of honoring the flag and even wanted to bring flags to classrooms, but this wasn’t received well and had no effect. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/25 "2004-08-23T18:48:45Z")
People who refer to us as “septics” are just a bunch of “berks.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/26 "2004-08-23T19:07:22Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Thanks for the URL, laina\_f. However, I must disagree with Josh on the flag ratings. My favorite part of the almanac is the flag section, too. > > Coolest flags: > > United States- classic design although the world’s most changed flag. > > Confederate Battle Flag- Although what it stood for is not admirable, as a graphic design it rocks. > > United Kingdom- another great graphic design. > > Greece- does a lot with just two colors > > Canada- simplicity and symmetry. Sans Canada, all the flags mentioned are way too busy, especially the US’. The story behind its design is cool but, really, it just has too much going on. The best flags are Israel’s and Japan’s. They both are beautiful in their simplicity, have only two colors which complement each other, and are instantly recognizable at even far off distances. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/27 "2004-08-23T19:41:17Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Are you a dolt, are do you prefer to call someone an asshole because you don’t understand [rhyming slang?](http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/list.asp?order=englishtoslang&letter=Y) Where shall we start? The fact that something rhymes doesn’t make it any less insulting. I may not speak the Queen’s English but I do not believe septic rhymes with yank no matter what side of the ocean you live on. I know, they shorten spetic tank to just plain septic. Just realize that referring to Americans as “containers full of shit” won’t endear you to anyone in the states. > [@Giles](#): > > It’s not nice, but it is a widely used term, used by many Australians to refer to Americans. It is rhyming slang, which may be the only thing that redeems it. I didn’t know it was all that common a slang. Is it the type of slang Australians use in front of Americans on a regular basis? Would you hear bartender say to some American tourist “What will you septics have to drink?” It may be common slang but don’t be surprised if some of us take offense to being called septics. > [@betenoir](#): > > No, it’s not meant to be complimentary exactly…but then neither is “Yank” " Lighten up. They’re allowed to make fun of us, they’re practically the only friends we have left . There’s got to be some line between down right insulting and just not complimentary. Would it be acceptable to refer to British and Australians as shit bags? I know it doesn’t really rhyme but we’re all friends, right? Marc ---
**Author:** ![nonpolar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3da27b/32.png) [@nonpolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nonpolar)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/28 "2004-08-23T19:43:15Z")
> [@Aesiron](#): > > Sans Canada, all the flags mentioned are way too busy, especially the US’. The story behind its design is cool but, really, it just has too much going on. > > The best flags are Israel’s and Japan’s. They both are beautiful in their simplicity, have only two colors which complement each other, and are instantly recognizable at even far off distances. Yeah ,I have just mentioned couple threads before that US flag is to much for my eyes with all the stripes ,stars,colors. I love Japanese flag even more so, old Imperial one How about EU flag? ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/29 "2004-08-23T19:43:26Z")
> [@betenoir](#): > > Well, that’s going a bit far. Inasmuch as America has them and is not a totalitarian state. I don’t believe we have laws against flag desecration these days. That’s why you’ll occasionally see politicians attempting to ban flag burning with a Constitutional Amendment. Marc ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/30 "2004-08-23T21:18:11Z")
> [@MGibson](#): > > ``` > Just realize that referring to Americans as "containers full of shit" won't endear you to anyone in the states. > > ``` Speak for yourself 😃 > [@](#): > > There’s got to be some line between down right insulting and just not complimentary. Would it be acceptable to refer to British and Australians as shit bags? I know it doesn’t really rhyme but we’re all friends, right? > > Marc Well there’s the rub (to quote some English guy). We’re friends. It’s rude. No doubt it gets flung at a lot of annoying tourists. But regardless of the shit association, I don’t see a lot of vitrol in it. Now if Al-Qaida called us containers of shit, I’d think they meant it. But in this case they’re just screwing with us. Mostly they still like us (just can’t stand our President :D). My English Friend says it’s not so bad…and he also doesn’t bother getting upset when the Aussies call him Pommy Bastard 😃 ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/31 "2004-08-23T21:31:55Z")
Hmmm far too many teeth in that last post…sorry > [@MGibson](#): > > I don’t believe we have laws against flag desecration these days. That’s why you’ll occasionally see politicians attempting to ban flag burning with a Constitutional Amendment. > > Marc Fair enough. Silly traditions then. I do think it’s funny that they want to ban flag burning when that’s the traditional way of disposing of flags. Oh well. Since I’m here…err…if people can’t generally notice if the the Union Jack…I mean Flag…is upside down or not, doesn’t that make it a really bad distress signal? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/32 "2004-08-24T00:03:12Z")
> [@MGibson](#): > > Just realize that referring to Americans as “containers full of shit” won’t endear you to anyone in the states. Oh, I see. When I refer to fellow Americans (especially some who post on these boards) as being “full of shit,” that can be brushed off as some coarse language; but when a f’r’ner uses a playful slang term that involves the general idea of sewage, THAT’S cause for offense. Let’s clear this up once and for all: calling Americans “septics” or “septic tanks” is no more a reflection on our character than “taking the apples and pears” means climbing a structure that is full of fruit. > [@](#): > > It may be common slang but don’t be surprised if some of us take offense to being called septics. It’s a turn of phrase. Get over it. Besides, the way a hell of a lot of southerners mean it, you should be more offended at being called a Yankee than having a Brit call you a septic, a Sherman, or a petrol. ---
**Author:** ![Shade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/33 "2004-08-24T00:52:53Z")
> [@](#): > > I quickly found that by handing out “Bad Colours” every time a flag contained colours that fell short of reasonable standards, I had deflated its meaning so that it could no longer fully express the horror and sickness I felt in seeing flags such as that of Aruba. Accordingly, where a flag’s designers appear to have been entirely colourblind and filled with anger and hatred towards those of us able to see the colours of their flag, I have awarded this code. Great site. ---
**Author:** ![Gest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9d8465/32.png) [@Gest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gest)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/34 "2004-08-24T01:21:40Z")
> [@MGibson](#): > > Just realize that referring to Americans as “containers full of shit” won’t endear you to anyone in the states. This is your first mistake. It’s already realised that it won’t endear people to you or anybody else in the states. Who cares? The reason you’d be called a seppo is for the locals’ entertainment purposes only. Container of shit is too nasty unless you up the stakes with whininess or bad natured one upmanship > [@](#): > > Is it the type of slang Australians use in front of Americans on a regular basis? Depends on the context. In a business setting or at the reception desk of your hotel – no. At a pub or football match – count on it. > [@](#): > > Would you hear bartender say to some American tourist “What will you septics have to drink?” It may be common slang but don’t be surprised if some of us take offense to being called septics. If you’re within earshot of Australian companions who you’ll be spending your entire trip with, your enjoyment of the rest of your stay almost hinges on your reaction here. Take it in your stride and your companions will think well of you. Address the barman as a colonial, sheep shagging cunt and their estimation of you will go into orbit. Give him the self righteous and outraged twaddle you’ve shown here and you might as well hop on the next plane home. You’ll either be subjected to a merciless barrage of mockery and belittlement or your friends will merely address you as you wish whilst largely freezing you out and stop inviting you places as much. The mockery is the better fate as it gives the opportunity to salvage your reputation by growing up and dealing with it appropriately. Also, it will limit the savaging you receive whilst your back is turned if you’re still thought at least worthy as a plaything to be kept. Worse comes to worse, you’d end up limiting your visit to business settings or tour buses and groups which are utterly useless for experiencing a foreign country. > [@](#): > > There’s got to be some line between down right insulting and just not complimentary. Would it be acceptable to refer to British and Australians as shit bags? Yes but don’t overdo it. You’ll risk looking mean and vengeful rather than intellectually agile and resilient (and that is truly what it’s all about). Variety is the spice of life so throw in the occasional variation of the colonial line without overdoing that either. Of course, it goes without saying, don’t speak to anybody this way unless _they_ speak to you this way. ---
**Author:** ![roger\_thornhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/35 "2004-08-24T01:53:41Z")
Aussies are a peculiar breed, especially the Tasmanians, but that’s another story. When I was a kid of 19 visiting my aunt down under, I decided to go to the Victorian Open golf tournament near Melbourne. Got the bus most of the way and then walked the rest. Hadn’t got far when a courtesy car stopped and this bloke asked me if I wanted a ride. I asked him how he was involved with the tournament and he said he was a player, Rodger Davis. We got to the players entrance and I got my money out to pay. He wound down the window and said to the attendant “Player and caddy”. Needless to say, I was a fan from that day. However, after play, I went to a bar to have a beer and experienced the flip side of Aussie hospitality when I mistakenly ordered a ‘pint of beer’. The bartender shouted out to the assmebled company : ‘Hey, this pom just asked for a \*pint \* of beer’. Cue tears of laughter and incredulous double checking. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/36 "2004-08-24T04:13:13Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Oh, I see. When I refer to fellow Americans (especially some who post on these boards) as being “full of shit,” that can be brushed off as some coarse language; but when a f’r’ner uses a playful slang term that involves the general idea of sewage, THAT’S cause for offense. Saying someone is full of shit during a serious discussion is indeed insulting. > [@](#): > > Let’s clear this up once and for all: calling Americans “septics” or “septic tanks” is no more a reflection on our character than “taking the apples and pears” means climbing a structure that is full of fruit. That’s just keen I guess. Just don’t be surprised if some Americans exhibit a negative reaction when you refer to them as septics. Marc ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/37 "2004-08-24T06:18:11Z")
Heh. As you know, a whule back Fred Phelps came to Canada to protest a Supreme Court decision giving us common-law marriage; he meant to burn a flag on the steps of the Supreme Court. He failed to note that _nobody cares_ if you burn the Canadian flag. (Unless you’re in Quebec. Then it’s civil war.) ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/38 "2004-08-24T07:36:08Z")
> [@Aesiron](#): > > The best flags are Israel’s and Japan’s. They both are beautiful in their simplicity, have only two colors which complement each other, and are instantly recognizable at even far off distances. I call ours a “one-crayon flag.” Very useful when you’re in kindergarden. ---
**Author:** ![roger\_thornhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/39 "2004-08-24T07:54:37Z")
Is it a criminal offence to burn or deface the Israeli flag, **Alessan**? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2004, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078/40 "2004-08-24T11:48:47Z")
> [@roger thornhill](#): > > Is it a criminal offence to burn or deface the Israeli flag, **Alessan**? Not as far as I know, although few Israelis would consider doing it. I’ve never known an Israeli Jewish organization, no matter ho left wing, that was willing to publicly burn or deface a flag. I’d say Israelis are nearly as passionate about our flag as Americans. It’s the whole formality and deference thing they have a hard time with, but that’s an attitude not limited to flags. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-flags/261078.md?page=3)