ferenghi

English

Alternative forms
  • Ferenghi

Etymology

In The Journeyer (2010, page 344), Gary Jennings speculates that this word is derived from Frank—Mongols heard westerners call themselves Franks during the Mongol invasion of Europe, and since then the Mongols called any white westerner a Ferenghi regardless of nationality. "Ferenghi" has also been used in the same manner by Turks, Persians, Afghans, Indians and Arabs. See Arabic إِفْرَنْجِيّ (ʔifranjiyy) and Persian فرنگی (farangi).

Noun

ferenghi (plural ferenghis or ferenghies)

  1. (ethnic slur) A white westerner.
    • 1887, Thomas Stevens, chapter XII, in Around the World on a Bicycle‎, Vol. II: From Teheran to Yokohama, London: Sampson Low […] , page 241:
      The appearance of Ferenghi ladies in the Holy City will be an innovation that will fairly eclipse the introduction of the bicycle.
    • 1891, Scottish Geographical Magazine‎, page 294:
      The tenacity, perseverance, and indefatigability of Britons have always deeply impressed the Asiatic; and i have had the opportunity of witnessing more than one Turks, Persian, or Afghan, who, in spite of being impregnated with the ideas of the Mohammedan Nirvana, began by expressing his amazement at the unremitting activity of the British Ferenghis, and concluded with the remark: "Verily these Ferenghis are a most remarkable people!"
    • 1916, Ahmed Nasir Ar-Rounel, Letter to Sheikh Mohsin bin Farod, Al-Aulaki‎:
      He has despatched us with the army in company with our brother Said Al-Khilafa Saiyfid Mohamed Al-Mutawakkil to the Eastern tract for the purpose of safeguarding it from the guile of the frustrated Ferenghis and for making a severance of the relations existing between them and the Sunni Arab Chiefs.
    • 2006, Jack Whyte, Knights of the Black and White‎:
      Suleiman's people, many of whom could barely stomach the sight of the ferenghis, with their sunburnt faces and arrogant bearing, their heavy chain hauberks and their long swords.
    • 2007, Lloyd Alexander, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio‎, page 277:
      Charkosh held it up for all to see. "Among ferenghis," he said, "it is called 'Greek Fire.'"

Usage notes

Mainly used in Asia.

See also
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