How do you like being called "farang"

[expat888]

I have been in Thailand for a long time and I recently became tired of being called farang. Is there a nice word for people different from you? If there is, then they are few. There are many more that are belittling and I believe farang is one of them.

Several times I have walked down a residential street and a toddler barely able to walk shouts, farang, farang! It's like after they learn the words mommy and daddy then farang is next. (Maybe I have that in reverse)

I am beginning to feel like a monkey in a cage and the Thais can shout obscenities and throw food at their enjoyment.

Today, I went to my corner store to grab a couple beers and a grandmother with two very small children were sitting at the entrance. Immediately, one of the children starting shouting farang, farang while the grandmother laughed. I had a glass of wine previous to approaching the store and with little restraint I mocked back saying farang, farang! Just an impulse but I was surprised at the reaction. The grandmother acted like I insulted her! <deleted>.

Anyway, I felt better on the walk home and enjoyed my beer.

[Bullie]

They probably would not like us to call them slopes, either. Provided they would know what it means, which they probably won't .

On the other hand: the word "Farang' is not -necessarily- meant as an insult. My wife uses it all the time, simply meaning : europeans. Laotians, Fillipino's, Malay etc. are NOT farang, although they , ofcourse are foreign and therefore are people of a lower race.

Do remember: at the end of the day it is all about Thainess, a quality no foreigner could ever hope to achieve.

[expat888]

They probably would not like us to call them slopes, either. Provided they would know what it means, which they probably won't .

On the other hand: the word "Farang' is not -necessarily- meant as an insult. My wife uses it all the time, simply meaning : europeans. Laotians, Fillipino's, Malay etc. are NOT farang, although they , ofcourse are foreign and therefore are people of a lower race.

Do remember: at the end of the day it is all about Thainess, a quality no foreigner could ever hope to achieve.

I understand what you are saying but after years of listening to this, I have come to a different conclusion. It's not meant to be nice.

IMO, Thais are xenophobic and this term just labels others to make Thais more comfortable.

Us against them mentality.

Edited July 23, 2014 by expat888

[Costas2008]

OP, as long as they don't call you, Bak Farang, you are all right.

There have been many threads about this and the majority consensus is that farang is not an insulting word.

They have been using the word for ages and they will carry on using it, with no offence intended.

So, get used to it and don't get upset.

[squarethecircle]

It makes an "us versus them" feeling for me. Maybe two ways to think of it:

(1) Just mentally translate "farang" as meaning "man who is rich, handsome, tall, intelligent, with large penis"

or

(2) Just keep it as a reminder that we're considered outsiders by those who call us "farang", it ain't an immigration country so just make sure you're getting what you want out of it.

[Soutpeel]

(1) Just mentally translate "farang" as meaning "man who is rich, handsome, tall, intelligent, with large penis"

or

oh well that eliminates all the male lilly white "Ajarns" from being called farangs then ....

[7by7]

Like any word, the meaning depends on the context and situation. It can be used as an insult, e.g. "f*** off, farang"; but mostly is just a word used to describe white people; e.g. "Noi's husband is a farang."

As for children shouting 'farang, farang!' it's usually the excitement of seeing someone who, even now, is unusual in many parts of Thailand.

[Soutpeel]

They probably would not like us to call them slopes, either. Provided they would know what it means, which they probably won't .

On the other hand: the word "Farang' is not -necessarily- meant as an insult. My wife uses it all the time, simply meaning : europeans. Laotians, Fillipino's, Malay etc. are NOT farang, although they , ofcourse are foreign and therefore are people of a lower race.

Do remember: at the end of the day it is all about Thainess, a quality no foreigner could ever hope to achieve.

I understand what you are saying but after years of listening to this, I have come to a different conclusion. It's not meant to be nice.

IMO, Thais are xenophobic and this term just labels others to make Thais more comfortable.

Us against them mentality.

another "English" teacher with visa or overstay problem by any chance ?

[SDM0712]

I don't think it's used as an insult on the whole. But I do refer to them as natives, which is factually correct. I do often feel as if it's them and us, which why it's a shame that as a group we don't get on better and try to help eachother more.

S

[mrtoad]

I think the OP would rather be addressed as Bwana. How dare the natives point at him, when they should be bowing down .

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Try "dam dam" or 'dam pit pee" as a reply.

It means "very dark skin"

Edited July 23, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[SDM0712]

I think the OP would rather be addressed as Bwana. How dare the natives point at him, when they should be bowing down .

Indeed Saeb, and what about the Chawalla and punkawalla.

S

Edited July 23, 2014 by SDM0712

[mrtoad]

I think the OP would rather be addressed as Bwana. How dare the natives point at him, when they should be bowing down .

Indeed, and what about the Chawalla and punkawalla.

S

All options that he may wish to consider.

[ATF]

Actually all it means is the same as the falung fruit which is white inside and has a slightly coarse texture just like Western skin as opposed to white Asian skin which is silky smooth. It's not an insult just a pure observation.

[benalibina]

Khon tang chaat....means .....foreigner

[AhFarangJa]

It makes an "us versus them" feeling for me. Maybe two ways to think of it:

(1) Just mentally translate "farang" as meaning "man who is rich, handsome, tall, intelligent, with large penis"

or

(2) Just keep it as a reminder that we're considered outsiders by those who call us "farang", it ain't an immigration country so just make sure you're getting what you want out of it.

As I have mentioned on other occasions, my wife of twelve years still calls me Ah Farang Ja ( hence my moniker) but now, at last, thanks to you squarethecircle, I know what she means!!! thank you!!!

Bye the way op, take a chill pill, at least someone is noticing you

[Urloc]

I got used to it, and usually are kids the one shouthing "farang". These are my usual reactions:

1) Smile at them. If they are with an adult bow my head a bit at him and continue (this is the most usual).

2) Look around as if I was looking for something while saying "farang nai?" (where is a farang?)

3 Point back at them and say "Thai!, Thai!"

4) Reply "Phum mai farang. Con Lao kap" (I am not a farang, I am from Laos)

[cooked]

I sometimes say 'Thai, Thai' to kids but I don''t really care. What do you want them to say? Hello person of Caucasian origins? That is in fact what they are saying, Thais aren't like us, you may have noticed, they don't hesitate to make remarks about my wife's appearance (she doesn't wear make up, they ask her why.. she tells them because I don't like it. Total strangers). I used to object to them saying 'You, you' but it's just their way of saying 'Khun'.

[nisakiman]

Doesn't bother me in the slightest. Both my wife and I use the word 'farang' to describe a westerner.

[Brit_Doggie]

It is not an insult to be called a farang after all it's all they know bless em,as for the darker sided people i often hear the words chocolate man uttered from the thais sweet mouths.

Ignore them as i do being the motto of the day on a daily basis lol,

[hoyism]

it doesn't necessarily have to be negative and until you learn the language properly you'll never really know, and just like anyone anywhere who's trying to wind you up/pick on you (if that's what you think they're doing) the best form of attack/defence is to completely ignore them.

[expat888]

They probably would not like us to call them slopes, either. Provided they would know what it means, which they probably won't .

On the other hand: the word "Farang' is not -necessarily- meant as an insult. My wife uses it all the time, simply meaning : europeans. Laotians, Fillipino's, Malay etc. are NOT farang, although they , ofcourse are foreign and therefore are people of a lower race.

Do remember: at the end of the day it is all about Thainess, a quality no foreigner could ever hope to achieve.

I understand what you are saying but after years of listening to this, I have come to a different conclusion. It's not meant to be nice.

IMO, Thais are xenophobic and this term just labels others to make Thais more comfortable.

Us against them mentality.

another "English" teacher with visa or overstay problem by any chance ?

Nope. Non-O.

[expat888]

I think the OP would rather be addressed as Bwana. How dare the natives point at him, when they should be bowing down .

A toad response.

[expat888]

It makes an "us versus them" feeling for me. Maybe two ways to think of it:

(1) Just mentally translate "farang" as meaning "man who is rich, handsome, tall, intelligent, with large penis"

or

(2) Just keep it as a reminder that we're considered outsiders by those who call us "farang", it ain't an immigration country so just make sure you're getting what you want out of it.

As I have mentioned on other occasions, my wife of twelve years still calls me Ah Farang Ja ( hence my moniker) but now, at last, thanks to you squarethecircle, I know what she means!!! thank you!!!

Bye the way op, take a chill pill, at least someone is noticing you

I would prefer not to be noticed.

[JockPieandBeans]

OP

If it annoys you in any way.

You must have had a very sheltered upbringing and its time to re-evaluate your future.

[expat888]

I got used to it, and usually are kids the one shouthing "farang". These are my usual reactions:

1) Smile at them. If they are with an adult bow my head a bit at him and continue (this is the most usual).

2) Look around as if I was looking for something while saying "farang nai?" (where is a farang?)

3 Point back at them and say "Thai!, Thai!"

4) Reply "Phum mai farang. Con Lao kap" (I am not a farang, I am from Laos)

Good one.

[expat888]

I sometimes say 'Thai, Thai' to kids but I don''t really care. What do you want them to say? Hello person of Caucasian origins? That is in fact what they are saying, Thais aren't like us, you may have noticed, they don't hesitate to make remarks about my wife's appearance (she doesn't wear make up, they ask her why.. she tells them because I don't like it. Total strangers). I used to object to them saying 'You, you' but it's just their way of saying 'Khun'.

The typical staring is ok with no proclamation.

[kevozman1]

Actually all it means is the same as the falung fruit which is white inside and has a slightly coarse texture just like Western skin as opposed to white Asian skin which is silky smooth. It's not an insult just a pure observation.

The term farang actually goes back in Asia to the middle east describing the first Europeans they come across, the Franks.

Do I like being called farang? I like it slightly more than being labelled a barang. I don;t care though really. Only time it is slightly annoying is when you come across an <deleted> who is over using the word. It is usually some ignorant hillbilly, so really there is no reason to feel offended.

[expat888]

OP

If it annoys you in any way.

You must have had a very sheltered upbringing and its time to re-evaluate your future.

I would guess you haven't been here long enough to shed the I'm handsome farang yet.

[expat888]

Actually all it means is the same as the falung fruit which is white inside and has a slightly coarse texture just like Western skin as opposed to white Asian skin which is silky smooth. It's not an insult just a pure observation.

The term farang actually goes back in Asia to the middle east describing the first Europeans they come across, the Franks.

Do I like being called farang? I like it slightly more than being labelled a barang. I don;t care though really. Only time it is slightly annoying is when you come across an <deleted> who is over using the word. It is usually some ignorant hillbilly, so really there is no reason to feel offended.

Point taken.