Thanks to everyone who contributed and sorry it was a bit vague (at least two other players use this forum and one hasn't noticed so far and I didn't want him to put two and two together).
I spoke to the GM about it. He didn't take offense or anything, but didn't quite get the strength of reaction. But he agreed not to use >thing< again if it was a problem. It's certainly not something that needs to be in the AP, beyond the first time, so it's not like we're derailing the game because, for instance, someone is playing Skulls and Shackles and is a bit worried about any mention of water.
I don't think the player is particularly worried about it coming up again, so that may be problem solved.