is not as harmful as using 'humsup' to mean 'larnsi'.
I would explain the Cantonese term 'humsup' as an adjective to describe a man (at least, that was the origin of it) who is fond of sexually harassing women, in words as well as in action. It is generally regarded as derogatory and men would feel offended if described as such. It was only recently that I heard someone actually felt 'honoured' to be described as such! But there is a big difference between acting in public and in the privacy of one's home.
I mentioned in my earlier post about my wife mistaking 'kiam siap' in Hokien for 'humsup' in Cantonese. Just imagine how harmless it could be: describing someone 'humsup' (amorous in an offending way) by using 'kiam siap' which means stingy!
But there were two separate instances: when a Malay civil servant used the term 'humsup' to describe a young man (known for being decent and shy in the company of women) who acted 'larnsi' (Cantonese for being 'actsy') in his office. It was by chance that I discovered that he could have mistaken as explained. I was proven right when a local retired 'chegu' used the term 'humsup' and in the course of conversation, I realised he was describing someone who acted bossy! I hope my message would reach out to those Malays who happen to think 'humsup' means 'larnsi' so that they would not unintentionally defame someone for the wrong reason.
I take this opportunity to wish all Muslims 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri'. There was a year when my daughter was born on this day, so it has special meaning to us too.
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I would explain the Cantonese term 'humsup' as an adjective to describe a man (at least, that was the origin of it) who is fond of sexually harassing women, in words as well as in action. It is generally regarded as derogatory and men would feel offended if described as such. It was only recently that I heard someone actually felt 'honoured' to be described as such! But there is a big difference between acting in public and in the privacy of one's home.
I mentioned in my earlier post about my wife mistaking 'kiam siap' in Hokien for 'humsup' in Cantonese. Just imagine how harmless it could be: describing someone 'humsup' (amorous in an offending way) by using 'kiam siap' which means stingy!
But there were two separate instances: when a Malay civil servant used the term 'humsup' to describe a young man (known for being decent and shy in the company of women) who acted 'larnsi' (Cantonese for being 'actsy') in his office. It was by chance that I discovered that he could have mistaken as explained. I was proven right when a local retired 'chegu' used the term 'humsup' and in the course of conversation, I realised he was describing someone who acted bossy! I hope my message would reach out to those Malays who happen to think 'humsup' means 'larnsi' so that they would not unintentionally defame someone for the wrong reason.
I take this opportunity to wish all Muslims 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri'. There was a year when my daughter was born on this day, so it has special meaning to us too.
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