Probably because this unfortunate state of affairs is very appealing to the British dark sense of humour. Americans seem much more inclined to want to replace

Probably because this unfortunate state of affairs is very appealing to the British dark sense of humour. Americans seem much more inclined to want to replace any term that is even obliquely offensive. See also “Fanny pack” which has made its way into British English despite the crudeness. I do wish there was some alternative word so that I can discuss cryptography with my countryfolk.