Wednesday May 16, 2007
Rubber, pants and fanny
WITH reference to the question ‘Is it eraser or rubber?’ (May 9), I would like to highlight some interesting facts on the use of “rubber” and “eraser”.
In the US, the word “rubber” in slang means condom, so Malaysians going to the US should not ask for “rubber” from their American friends! We use the word “pants” interchangeably with “trousers” in Malaysia to mean long trousers. The word “pants” is also used the same way in the US. This term is derived from the word “pantaloons”. In Britain, the word “pants” actually refers to underwear.
Another example: the colloquial term “fanny” means “buttocks” but in New Zealand, the term “fanny” refers to the female genitalia (if I am wrong, I stand corrected!).
This is just to highlight the differences in the use of certain English words which carry different meanings in different English-speaking countries. Malaysians who visit other countries should be aware so as not to commit any social faux pas. – T.K. Chew
A cultural matter
REFERRING to your May 9 question answered by Fadzilah Amin, I think it has a cultural connotation too.
Those of us educated in the British system have been taught to use “rubber” for the tiny accessory that we use to erase pencil or ink markings, as explained by Fadzilah.
However, let me share with you what my son learned while studying in the US. When he asked for a “rubber” from his friend to erase his work, he got a “... a WHAT?” response, followed by a smug grin.
You see, in the American culture, “rubber” refers to something you buy at the pharmacy for the night out! – Chin K.S., Penang
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