One of the most widely used (by farangs) "Thai" words.

 

Spelling in Thai?

Etymology?

Thais without connection to farang-oriented prostitution don't know this word.

Do foreigners who are not associated with the Thai prostitution scene and don't live in Thailand understand this word? Native English speakers? Others?

 

I watched a movie about Thailand yesterday (not in English), that was made for the European market. 

They regularly used this word, so I thought, is this such an international technical term like "computer", understood in every language? And from which language does it originate from?

 

You're joking right? The expression in known, and used, virtually Worldwide 

Just now, Doctor Tom said:

You're joking right? The expression in known, and used, virtually Worldwide 

Not joking at all.

Thx for teaching me, I didn't know.

I doubt my family "back home" know it. And the "regular" Thais I know don't know it.

 

Do you know which language does it come from?

And how do you spell it in Thai?

37 minutes ago, Lorry said:

One of the most widely used (by farangs) "Thai" words.

 

Only the fans of Basil Brush.

Apparently the expression originated during the Vietnam war, due to the interaction of GI's and Vietnamese. Presumably it spread from there across Asia.

 

I have not heard it being used in Western countries. Although Boris Becker's nickname may have been a sly reference to his off-court activity.

6 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I have not heard it being used in Western countries.

 Me neither.

So maybe @Doctor Tom

7 hours ago, Doctor Tom said:

The expression in known, and used, virtually Worldwide

is over-generalizing.

 

But then, why was it used in a European movie,  made for a European audience?

23 hours ago, Lorry said:

"regular" Thais I know don't know it.

You can bet the farm that they do know, just not admitting it.