In this hypersensitive world, even useful phrases with no apparent misanthropy intended are verboten, if the wrong racial or ethnic nerve is touched. Tsk! (But it's not safe to assume that because you don't find derogatory content, it wasn't meant that way originally.)

I was shocked that a Chinese colleague objected to use of "Chinese Wall" to describe an ethical 'wall' constructed around certain lawyers in the firm who are not to discuss the matter with those on the other side of the wall, for professional responsibility purposes. Paranoia, I think, led him to interpret this as a culturally insensitive reference to Chinese "inscrutability" or emotional coldness. But, really: I mean, if you want a good generic term for an impassable barrier, of immediate universal utility, "Chinese wall" would seem to be the logical choice, wouldn't it?

Similarly, in professional kitchens, "China cap" is the name for a cone-shaped (metal) colander. It once felt somewhat racist to say and hear, because of the mental associations with Coolies and their historical treatment and sterotyping in the West. But again, it's a very evocative term, that, like Chinese Wall, immediately conveys to the listener what is meant.

If you have a problem with these kinds of terms, one wonders what you do with "German shepherd" or "Wiener schnitzel". I wonder if the middle eastern languages' (Arab./Farsi) reference to oranges as "portugal" is taken by hypersensitive Iberians as somehow ethnically offensive, too.

K, I sent you a Private Message. Thought I'd let you know here, as many first-timers can't tell when they've got one. You should see a flashing envelope up by "My Stuff"; click on it.

Response over in Q&A.

It seems to me that the answer is simply to use your good common sense. Obviously certain terms don't have any offensive thought attached to them. In that case, I'd say, use them. But if there is any chance that there would be a negative connotation, then why can't we use our creativity to come up with another choice. In the case of Chinese Auction or Chinese Wall, I would choose a substitute.

Chinese fire drill

-joe (one wing low) friday

Well said Fauve.
although I'll add my favorite Twain quote. "Common sense isn't nearly so common as you'd think."


edited cos neither is correct spelling

Hello everybody,
I'm writing this message to see how does this forum work.
In fact I'm a new teacher of english and I've joined you to practice my english...

Hi DN
Welcome aboard. Your English is good but since you have joined specifically to improve I have pointed out a few details, I hope that is what you wanted.


PS one of the funny things about English is its habit of twisting if not breaking its own rules. "How does this forum work?" is the correct form for a question but sounds odd in statement form.

Had forgotten that great quote.
Ain't it the truth, though?

Thank you very much "Zed", that's exactly what i 'm looking for.
But i don't have too much to say right now and i don't have a clear idea about how one can start...Do you see what i mean?

The way one "starts" is to do exactly what you are doing, that is, posting to the forum. People post when they feel moved to do so, perhaps when the subject is interesting, or when it is irritating, or is a subject they know well. There is no requirement or compulsion to post, and many read a lot, but post little. If you have a specific question, post it in the appropriate forum. Otherwise, read any posts you find interesting and post a reply as you see fit. :0)

The phrase "that's white of you", used when someone has done something for you (used more as a sarcastic put-down now.)

My co-worker told me she thought the phrase was, "That's WIDE of you", i.e., large or big. So she used the phrase to thank a man for helping her move some heavy boxes at work. He was Black. He did not feel thanked.

Ooops!

Never heard that one. Must be an Americanism.

Usually in the phrase "That's mighty white of you."