Veg vs. not Veg

And finally I sit to scribble something. The mind is speculative and does not reconcile easily…or does it ever!
Anyways, what struck me today is not the fight or argument about those who are vegetarian (food habits) against those who are not vegetarians. It’s about defining who is a vegetarian and who is not. Every time I have a dinner or a lunch with my non-desi colleague(s) I am confronted with the same questions. Same questions from different people and some times same people.
What am I ?
I: Vegetarian?
Q: So do you drink milk, eat butter cheese ?
I: yes, am vegetarian and not Vegan.
Q again: Ohh, so you eat chicken?
I: silent growl, no am vegetarian…not flesh eater!
Q here’s more: But I have another friend who says that he is vegetarian but eats chicken!
I: Ahem…now this is tricky. Some are vegetarian by birth (religion/up bringing) you may say, while some are vegetarian by choice. Also there is the class of those who are actually not vegetarians but have a limited flavor and eat only chicken or only fish or eggs or very something they think causes no harm to a life or a being.
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And there are more till I finish my meal and then until the next meal with similar such people.
How would I define a vegetarian and then a vegan?
Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food. Vegans endeavor not to use or consume animal products of any kind. The most common reasons for becoming a vegan are ethical commitment or moral convictions concerning animal rights, the environment, human health, and spiritual or religious concerns.Of particular concern are the practices involved in factory farming and animal testing, and the intensive use of land and other resources required for animal farming. [veganism]
Vegetarianism is more of a belief in and practice of eating vegetable foods and abstaining from animal food. But the definition of Vegetarianism is very vague. Ask dozen people and you will have two dozen replies with 3 dozen explanation and interpretations. It is more of a personal choice and preference than a set philosophy or set of rules.
Next time some one asks me the same question, I need to think of some thing new and spicey or just wiki or share this post ...umm hmmm !
Hope to be alleviated from these questions for some time or hope I get to eat ice cream and chocolate…am not Vegan.