Gonefortea Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) I read Thai Visa quite a lot nowadays only just joined (see introduction in new members thread. Over the years I have noticed with some distane I may add, expat/foreigns/holiday makers using this media have started to use the word Falang in all its various guises and spellings. You know like us Falang or met a falang last night. Why Thais have a reason for the word it means western forigner for all intents and purposes. We that are westerners and forigners to Thailand have no need to use the word to describe other westerners, can we just not say as I'm sure you did in your mother countries, I met a guy/Lady last night from UK/USA ect ect. Instead of I met another Falang (another form of spelling the word) from UK last night. The word itself means no disrespect from Thai's but I must admit to feeling a little disrespected when called it by another western person. Edited February 19, 2017 by Gonefortea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rijb Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 33 minutes ago, Gonefortea said: I may add, expat/foreigns/holiday makers using this media have started to use the word Falang in all its various guises and spellings Maybe they're just bad/lazy at spelling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgrahmm Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 I'll use it myself from time to time....Have also heard it among farang groups referring to a person being discussed..... Quite often driving when I see one driving/riding badly....Usually I'll say "stupid farang", while thinking to myself, you stupid as*h*l*.. .... ....Swearing is not well accepted in the family...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKKBodhisattva Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Hmm I guess it's been a while About time for another 20 page dissection of the word's etymology. Have at it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, Gonefortea said: The word itself means no disrespect from Thai's but I must admit to feeling a little disrespected when called it by another western person. If the word is not disrespectful, why would one feel disrespected? There are plenty of disrespectful words which Westerners can (and do) use to describe other Westerners of a different nationality - I won't name any of them. Why object when they choose a word that is fairly innocuous? Edited February 19, 2017 by chickenslegs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grovst Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Using the word "Falang" just clearifys in an instant what kind of people/peoples are being refferd to and maybe without, just maybe, any prejudice. [emoji20]Skickat från min SM-P600 via Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonefortea Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 52 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: If the word is not disrespectful, why would one feel disrespected? There are plenty of disrespectful words which Westerners can (and do) use to describe other Westerners of a different nationality - I won't name any of them. Why object when they choose a word that is fairly innocuous? I did state in my origional post I feel slightly disrespected when another forigner calls me a Falang. If Thais call it me I have no truck with it. Personaly I would never address a fellow forigner as a falang. What others call each other has no real bearing on my post as it specifically relates to a Thai word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerojero Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 It's a Thai term. So when in Rome.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonefortea Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 8 minutes ago, jerojero said: It's a Thai term. So when in Rome.... Well maybe if your conversing Purley in Thai with another Thai speaker then ok it can be appropriate. But when I hear it it's English to English and suddenly it's dropped in, which is not really appropriate. There are enough words in the English language to use between English speakers without resorting to Falang in the middle of a sentence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 23 minutes ago, Gonefortea said: I did state in my origional post I feel slightly disrespected when another forigner calls me a Falang. If Thais call it me I have no truck with it. Personaly I would never address a fellow forigner as a falang. What others call each other has no real bearing on my post as it specifically relates to a Thai word. The word is respectful or it is not - opinions vary. I can't see how you can argue that it is respectful when said by a Thai but (slightly) disrespectful when said by a Farang (unless accompanied by an insulting adjective). Quote There are enough words in the English language to use between English speakers without resorting to Falang in the middle of a sentence. What single English word could replace "farang"? Serious question, I can't think of one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonefortea Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) 28 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: The word is respectful or it is not - opinions vary. I can't see how you can argue that it is respectful when said by a Thai but (slightly) disrespectful when said by a Farang (unless accompanied by an insulting adjective). What single English word could replace "farang"? Serious question, I can't think of one. How about addressing people for what they are here foreigners. I would say in a conversation I met another foreign guy or as I had met him and talked to him I would know where he came from. So I met a guy from Germany last night. Yes I agree it is totally subjective there are words which I suspect get on some people's nerves and not other people. Another one I could throw into the mix is Dude I see absolutely no merit in it whatsoever. Seems to be a word to make one feel as though they are somehow cool. However my OP is my word used by non Thai. I fully agree it's my thoughts and I totally respect others opinions on it. Edited February 19, 2017 by Gonefortea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grollies Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) 31 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: Edited February 19, 2017 by grollies Re-read my post, was a load of rubbish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grollies Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 37 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: The word is respectful or it is not - opinions vary. I can't see how you can argue that it is respectful when said by a Thai but (slightly) disrespectful when said by a Farang (unless accompanied by an insulting adjective). What single English word could replace "farang"? Serious question, I can't think of one. If you know the nationality of the person you are talking about it's easy... Kraut Frog Yank Eytye Gent ( for English obviously, otherwise Jock, Paddy, Taffy) etc, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliffspab Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 43 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: The word is respectful or it is not - opinions vary. I can't see how you can argue that it is respectful when said by a Thai but (slightly) disrespectful when said by a Farang (unless accompanied by an insulting adjective). What single English word could replace "farang"? Serious question, I can't think of one. 'Westerner' usually suffices in most contexts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 8 minutes ago, Gonefortea said: How about addressing people for what they are here foreigners. I would say in a conversation I met another friend guy or as I had met him and talked to him I would know where he came from. So I met a guy from Germany last night. Foreigner is a bit broad = anyone who is not Thai. Of course, if you met someone, and were able to establish their nationality, it would make sense to describe them as such. However, I think the term Farang can be useful when describing someone whose nationality is not known. Most Thai people seem to find it useful anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 2 minutes ago, cliffspab said: 'Westerner' usually suffices in most contexts. I agree - in most contexts. Not sure if white Africans, Aussies, Kiwis agree - maybe they do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliffspab Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 1 minute ago, chickenslegs said: I agree - in most contexts. Not sure if white Africans, Aussies, Kiwis agree - maybe they do. Depends how far West you go lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grollies Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 1 minute ago, chickenslegs said: I agree - in most contexts. Not sure if white Africans, Aussies, Kiwis agree - maybe they do. I think the term farang refers to any white person of European origin so Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, etc all fit the definition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKKBodhisattva Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 31 minutes ago, chickenslegs said: I agree - in most contexts. Not sure if white Africans, Aussies, Kiwis agree - maybe they do. Not all Westerners are white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwinecheese Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) Farang is term used to call upon European invasions but the term crusaders has been wrongly used instead, originated from France which stopped Muslim expansion in Europe. Edited February 19, 2017 by redwinecheese clarification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grollies Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 10 minutes ago, redwinecheese said: Farang is term used to call upon European invasions but the term crusaders has been wrongly used instead. and has the OP been in any other forums on this site? TVF has a 'Farang Pub' section. They (TVF) don't seem to have a problem calling us farangs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 18 minutes ago, BKKBodhisattva said: Not all Westerners are white. No, but all white Westerners are Farang. Thais have other terms for people who are not white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grollies Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 31 minutes ago, redwinecheese said: Farang is term used to call upon European invasions but the term crusaders has been wrongly used instead, originated from France which stopped Muslim expansion in Europe. Clear as mud. I've never heard of a European being referred to as a 'crusader' by a Thai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwinecheese Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 (edited) 20 minutes ago, grollies said: I've never heard of a European being referred to as a 'crusader' by a Thai. I would love to hear a Thai pronounce the word "crusader" because as far as I know not all Thais can say the letter R easily if it is not pronounced separately. Edited February 19, 2017 by redwinecheese clarification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kowpot Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 7 hours ago, redwinecheese said: I would love to hear a Thai pronounce the word "crusader" because as far as I know not all Thais can say the letter R easily if it is not pronounced separately. "Clusadel" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipi Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 I have been called worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveAustin Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 This old chestnut pops up now and then. I couldn't care less in ascertaining if some dude was from the US or UK. It is easier and succinct. As above, when in Rome. Spend more time here and you'll get over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonefortea Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 9 hours ago, chickenslegs said: Foreigner is a bit broad = anyone who is not Thai. Of course, if you met someone, and were able to establish their nationality, it would make sense to describe them as such. However, I think the term Farang can be useful when describing someone whose nationality is not known. Most Thai people seem to find it useful anyway. Yes which is the very point I make Thais use it as it's there language. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonefortea Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 14 minutes ago, daveAustin said: This old chestnut pops up now and then. I couldn't care less in ascertaining if some dude was from the US or UK. It is easier and succinct. As above, when in Rome. Spend more time here and you'll get over it. Lol you don't like to read posts and follow up then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klauskunkel Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 1) "Yesterday I saw a farang" 2) "Yesterday I saw a person who came from a Western Culture background." out of pure laziness I use option 1). No disrespect intended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts