Recently I’ve ran into some women who seem repulsed by the term ‘panties’ prefering ‘underwear’ while others seem to prefer it, thinking it sexy.
Guy point of view - sexy!
Girls, what’s the story?
Bleah. The only acceptable use of the word “panties” is when telling someone else not to get theirs in a wad.
I don’t like that word either. Not sure why, though. I do like the Brit version “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.”
I say both words.
I’ve never heard of women getting upset about the word, “panties”…I think panties sounds more feminine, personally…
I have Winnie the Pooh panties, Garfield panties, Looney Toons panties and Scooby Doo panties…
It doesn’t matter to me, as long as there’s any chance of the panties/knickers/undies being removed 
This topic, such as it is, is best adressed in IMHO. I’ll move the thread there.
I’d like to suggest (cautiously) that this may be another example of the linguistic divide that unites our two countries.
Panties (England / US) - ‘bottom layer’ for women
Pants (England) - ‘bottom layer’ for men
Pants (US) - Smart jeans
Trousers (England) - Smart jeans
Knickers (England) - worn over panties but under skirt
I hope that gets to the bottom of it…
Hmmm … my British informants seem to be divided on the meaning of “pants.” The ones from Bath say pants are always underwear; the one from Manchester says they’re trousers. Don’t know if he’s just been watching too much American TV or if it’s a regional thing. They all seem to agree that “knickers” are underpants, though.
As for the OP … well, there was a thread on this ages ago, and a surprising number of women posted that they were bothered by the word “panties.” I don’t understand it myself – as far as I’m concerned, that’s just what they’re called. “Underwear” seems insufficiently specific.
Where’s everybody from, BTW? I live in NC but grew up in the DC area.
Well, it’s not exactly that it bothers me, but I haven’t worn panties since back when I wore jammies. (I’m also quite sure many grown women will defend their right to wear panties and jammies until they are grannies and beyond.)
I do indeed wear panties and jammies; I also wear undies or, when I’m feeling nostalgic for my Navy days, skivvies. I’m not too particular on the terminology.
I prefer the term underwear myself.
Panties seems like a little girl term. Like Cher3, I only use it when I tell someone not to get theirs in a knot.
I don’t recall exactly how it started, but I usually say (on the occasions when the subject arises) my “dainties” or “delicates.” I like innuendo…
As always, it sounds better when the Brits say it:
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist”
Heard this on an epsisode of “The Good Neighbors” (AKA “The Good Life”)
“I could hide out under there… I just made you say ‘underwear’!”
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Anyway. I’m not repulsed by the term ‘panties’… although I should admit I’m more likely to call someone one rather than say I wear one, though.
I, too, know some women who don’t like the term. This perplexes me for if women don’t like it why do mnfctrs market their product that way?
Personally I find It feminine and sexy.
Ewww. I hate the word “panties.” Even worse is “panty” in the singular. I think you only find this in Victoria’s Secret advertising: “Introducing the new bun-hugger panty!”
I say “underpants.”
Yeah, “panties” is kind of a weird word. I’ve always referred to them as “underwear.”
Flashback to MST3k: Professor Bobo defends Mike for crimes against humanity.
“We’re going to be hearing the word ‘panties’ a lot in this trial, so lets just get those giggles out now. Panties panties panties panties panties.
<pause>
Panties panties panties panties panties…”
(Note: typing “panties” that many times in a row makes it seem even stranger.)
Audrey, BNL kicks ass !!
Who could possibly find fault with the word “panties” ? Its like it says in the OP, most men find the term impossibly sexy.
Eh, “panties” is fine with me, although it makes me think of kid’s underwear (Mom always told me to wear “clean panties” when I was a kid…so, the term has that stigma).
However, I much prefer “thong.” 
Well, I usually say “panties”. Sometimes “underwear” too. But “panties”, mostly.
I also say “nighties”. I am wearing some nighties right now, as a matter of fact. And I’m also wearing panties. So there!