When I was much younger I smoked cigarettes. At work in the lace market ,because of fire risk, there were designated areas where smoking was allowed.(in the days before smoking was restricted) One day we were visited by an American customer on his annual buying visit to Europe. I'd met the American several times previously and we got on well as he seemed fascinated by my Broad Derbyshire accent. Anyway I returned from having a cigarette and apologised for not being available, telling our visitor 'I've just had a f a g' Well, you should have seen the expression on the New Yorker's face .I didn't know at the time but a f a g to an American is short for 'f a gg o t' or gay person.