It's kind of the opposite I'm aiming for. I've been accused of not being a proper vegan because i don't subscribe completely to the way of life. I'm actually quite in awe of vegetarians who do it out of principles. I only get annoyed when someone describes vegetarian food as vegan because it can make me and anyone allergic to dairy really ill.

I really don't understand why anyone would attack someone for going vegan or vegetarian. The act of doing that is good. Whatever reason you do it for, it saves the animals lives AND removes cruelty. Some vegans (although I haven't actually met one only been told not to call myself vegan from friends of some!) get annoyed at dietary vegans for calling themselves vegan. I wrote this post to explain that calling oneself vegan can save certain people (me) from getting ill.
A vegetarian can eat vegan food. A vegan can't eat vegetarian food.