Is It Offensive to Call Westerners Farang?

Farang statue outside Wat Pho
Farang statue outside Wat Pho | © Ian Gratton/Flickr
Kyle Hulme

If you’ve ever been to Thailand, there’s no doubt that at some stage of your travels, you will have heard the “F” word. Whether it’s said by a waitress in a restaurant, by a stranger on the street or by a colleague in a place of work, there’s no avoiding it – if you’re a white tourist, you’ll be called a farang – the Thai word for foreigner. Is it cause for offence? Well, not exactly – and here’s why.

History of the Word

Farang statue outside Wat Pho

Whilst the source of the word isn’t clear, there’s evidence to suggest that it was initially used in an offensive way. Following British colonial rule in India, the word firangi was adopted in the Hindi language to be a derogatory term for a European – though it’s hard to say for sure whether that’s the source for the modern day Thai word as we know it. Another potential, less-offensive source is the Persian word farang, which referred to people of the Frank tribe of the Middle Ages (from which modern day France derives its name). This is plausible, as Thais would have had exposure to the French due to trade and France’s colonial interests in neighbouring Laos and Vietnam. So, while the origins aren’t clear, there are cases on either side for whether or not the word is rooted in offence, though the latter, inoffensive etymology seems to have more credence.

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A Difference in Culture

To understand whether the word is offensive, one must understand the differences between Thai and Western culture. As we’re seeing the rise of extremism and right-wing sentiment in the West, the word “foreigner” is loaded with negative connotations. Whether it’s Trump labelling immigrants as “drug dealers, criminals and rapists” or political commentators in the UK relating them to cockroaches and vermin, the word foreigner is used only by those who want to push an agenda, or an “us vs them” worldview.

You heard it here first

In Thailand, this simply isn’t the case. “Farang”, the Thai word to describe white foreigners, is not a word loaded with intent to harm. If someone is relating to a farang amongst a group of Thais, it’s a convenient if not lazy way to articulate which person it is. While many may object to being labelled in any way, it’s a neutral label and certainly not a negative one when used on its own – though it can be offensive if words are added.

Context Dependant

The case for offence depends on the context in which the word is used. If you’ve messed up at work or caused a scene and you hear the word farang, it’s admittedly likely that they’re not praising you, though it’s words that precede or follow farang that would make it offensive. A classic farang insult is farang kee nok, or bird poop foreigner. This phrase is used to describe a farang with no money, or one who is stingy with it – as you can imagine, the legions of backpackers passing through the country over the years has led to such unsavoury terms becoming widespread – though it’s the kee nok addition that transforms a harmless word into a cutting phrase.

Khao San Road – the spiritual home of farang kee nok

If you’re a non-Thai national working alongside Thais, the lack of subtlety when hearing others talking about farangs can sting, though perhaps it’s wise to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to deciding whether or not they’re trash talking you. Either way, it’s extra motivation to start learning the language yourself.

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