\\\\\If it is offensive to shorten the word of Pakistanis, then surely it is just as offensive to shorten the word of British by calling us 'Brits'?\\\
I assume that you are referring to that statement made by AOG, if not , then please ignore my further comment.
The key word in that statement of AOG's is "IF"...........AOG isn't saying that the term Brit IS offensive and is following the logic of the statement of above.
Is this a personal attack on AOG OR is it a serious question?
In a way I agree with him. Not for patriotic reasons but simply because I find the term to be a generalisation that doesn't take into account the fact that the UK is made of three countries. I am also aware that our dear cousins across the pond have ousted us from our own language stating that we speak "British" and they speak "English".
I resent the fact that I have to declare my nationality as "UK" on paperwork and wherever possible I state my nationality as Scottish (which it is).
I don't find it offensive but I dislike it intensely. I think that it is because the first few times that I heard it being used was in a condescending way by one of our US cousins.