How Do You Spell FARANG?

Pronunciation: [fˈaɹaŋ] (IPA)

Farang, a Thai word meaning foreigner, is spelled as /fəˈræŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The consonant cluster 'fr' is a peculiar feature of Thai, and is often substituted with the similar 'f' sound by non-native speakers. The vowel sound after 'r' is a short 'æ' sound, pronounced like the 'a' in 'cat'. The final 'ng' sound is represented by the letter 'ง' in the Thai script. The word is commonly used in Thailand to refer to Westerners or people of non-Thai descent.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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FARANG Meaning and Definition

  1. Farang is a noun in Thai language that typically refers to a foreigner, especially someone of European or non-Thai descent. It is derived from the word "Français," which means French in French. Although it originally referred to French nationals, over time, the term has expanded to include people from various Western countries or even foreign non-Asians in general. Farang is a colloquial term commonly used in Thailand, and its usage may vary depending on the context and region.

    In contemporary Thai society, farang is often used to describe tourists, expatriates, or foreigners visiting or living in the country. It can be considered a neutral term that does not inherently carry positive or negative connotations. However, the perception of farang can differ among individuals, as some may associate it with wealth, exoticness, or different cultural traits. It is worth noting that the term is generally used when referring to adults, while children or the younger generation of foreigners are often referred to as "farang khao" (white farang) or "farang lek" (small farang).

    In summary, farang is a Thai word that refers to a foreigner, particularly someone of European or non-Thai origin. It is a commonly used term in Thailand to describe individuals from Western countries or non-Thai foreigners residing or visiting the country. The term is not inherently positive or negative and is widely accepted in colloquial conversations.

Etymology of FARANG

The word "farang" originates from the Thai language and is derived from the word "farangset" (ฝรั่งเศส) or "farangi" in Persian, which means "Frankish" in English. It was initially used by Thai people to refer to Westerners, specifically the French, during the period when European explorers and traders traveled to South and Southeast Asia. Due to the influence of French culture in the region, the term later became generalized to encompass all Westerners, regardless of their national origin. Today, it is commonly used in Thailand and some neighboring countries to refer to foreigners in general.