A reader has chid me for using the term “Papist” in a private exchange, to

refer to Roman Catholics (of which he is one).

Is this unacceptable? I am always way behind the curve on this stuff. I

caused a stunned silence in company a few years ago by using the word

“Jewess” in all innocence. (One of the stunnees, a Jewish lady, explained

to me afterwards: “I can use that word, but you can’t.” I have

stopped using it.)

I mean “Papist” light-heartedly, as ought to be clear from the fact that I

refer to persons of my own persuasion as “Prods.” There is, however and

alas, not much light-heartedness in the area of self-identification

nowadays, and for all I know I may be causing people to gasp, sputter, and

swoon. Let me know, please.