There something about those UK accents were it doesn't even seem that offensive. Say it like a Brit and it just goes through your ears. Here a North American accent say it and you immediately turn your head.
Not a thing wrong with it, Daydream. It's one of those words that is uniquely English and which the whole world associates with London. But I always wondered why it was called "circus" and looked it up a couple of weeks ago. Found out where Piccadilly came from at the same time. :)
OK so taking a guess... circus was because there used to be a *circus* there - of the historical kind? not the clowns and stuff you think of now.. but perhaps a place where public gathered or were able to gather for local entertainment such as bear baiting, and street performers?
No. Piccadilly Circus had a circular road -- a roundabout, in effect -- and it was the road that was known as a circus. Circus comes from the Latin for circle. The Piccadilly bit was for the tailor who worked there making frilly collars known as piccadillies.
I'm terribly sorry, can't think of anything. Time to put the rubbish out, get that stuff out of the boot of the car, side-step that dodgy mess all over the pavement, then bugger off down the pub.
Benedict Arnold 