Thread: The Thai word "Farang", its variations in other languages, and its Arabic origin.

And the word Siam means dark skinned people in Malay.

Originally Posted by averageajarn

The term Arabs used for Eastern Europe in the seventh century was Rum الروم being the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). For Western Europe, the term Firinjia came to be used somewhat after that, and specially during the Crusades, since a large percentage of the Crusaders were Franks. Hence the term Firinjah stuck to all Western Europeans. As Arab traders travelled to East Asia, the term was borrowed into the languages of that region. Initially describing the Portuguese, it was used for all "whites" later.

It seems Roger Welty, who wrote Thai Culture and Society (2004) would aggree:

What Thais Call Westerners

In Thai, a foreigner of whatever race is a khon tangchat. This means simply a 'persons of another race, life or birth'. If you are Caucasian, no matter which country you come from, you are also a farang.

Farang, however, does not mean 'foreigner'.

The word farang has a long and interesting history, extending further back than the Crusades, to the Franks of Northern France. The Arabs and turks who fought the invastions of Palestine called the Franks ifarngi, and the Persians picked it up as farangi. These Muslims cultures had extensice trade relations with Siam, and the term thus became known in the Far East.

--pg 141

Finally some etymological information. I guess that puts a cap on the I hate the word farang and so should you thread.

So, who is willing to tackle baksheeda?

Originally Posted by Eric

So, who is willing to tackle baksheeda?

I will...right after my som-tam, gai yaang and khao neow. sep ee-lee-der!!! but hold the 'h' (bak-sii-daa???)

Originally Posted by Eric

I guess that puts a cap on the I hate the word farang and so should you thread.

I'm not familiar with the thread but I think 'farang' is like any other word in that it's all about the meaning conveyed when it's spoken.

For a number of reasons, I think 'farang' is a lot like the word 'asian' as it's typically used in the States.

Well if one doesn't like the expression ''Farang'' you could always request to be called.

''White Honkie,Nigger,Stove Enameled Black Bastard,Kraut Sambo, Chinky,Nip,Frog,Spag.Raghead,Yid,Who Bangi Lips,Lao,Sepo,Jungle Bunny,Gook.

The list is endless and from around the world and its varied cultures.

Personally I have never found in all my 18+ years here the word ''Farang'' particularly offensive.Too trivial a matter to concern me and probably many others also.

As Crew has said.

''It is how the word is spoken and the situation you are in that would convey the implied full meaning and the usage of the expression Farang'' at that moment in time by both the speaker and the listener.

Originally Posted by crew

For a number of reasons, I think 'farang' is a lot like the word 'asian' as it's typically used in the States.

Never been to Farangia. What's it like?

Originally Posted by bewildered wanderer

Never been to Farangia. What's it like?

Above all, it's a place where all white people "sa-peek Angkreet". After that, we are all "welly, welly lich". It's also a place where we all eat the same food and listen to the same music while exchanging stories about shagging whores. And apparently it's a place that produces people who are incapable of speaking Thai no matter how well it's being spoken. Why? Because the most ignorant think all white people, regardless of their nationality and personal preferences, are the same.

The flip side of that coin is that the most ignorant white people have trouble seeing Asians as individuals or even as members of separate cultures. To these people, the folks with the slanty eyes are all idiots who can't drive, eat strange food and choose to live in overcrowded houses...but at least the women are passive and suck cock like its their mission in life. And as for their ability to speak the greatest language known to man, well, that's like asking an Asian to buy a domestic vehicle.

BTW: "most ignorant" simply means the most ignorant members of both groups mentioned. I know loads of Thais and Westerners who do not fit into these sad categories.

Originally Posted by bewildered wanderer

Never been to Farangia. What's it like?

well, since farang means westerner in Thai, farangia would be "The West" right?

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