The Laowai Lexicon is a brand new Flumesday feature that explores the world of language from the perspective of a foreigner in China. Every so often I will introduce and define a word or phrase essential to the China expat experience. These could be Chinese words that have slipped into the English lexicon or English words that have become commonplace for expats and Chinese alike. As I will be writing about words used by foreigners in China, I will begin with the word that means foreigner in Chinese.
laowai [lou-wahy]
-noun
1. an informal Chinese word for foreigner: look at that laowai with the big nose.
2. a pejorative Chinese word for foreigner: let’s rip off the stupid laowai.
3. Chinese word for Caucasian: my English tutor is not a laowai, he is Kenyan
-adjective
4. of, pertaining to or suitable for a foreigner in China: let’s go to the laowai bar
Origin: Chinese [lao=old, wai=foreigner]
Commentary: In recent years the word “laowai” has began to stir up controversy within the expatriate community in China. In this way “laowai” is similar to how Americans view the Spanish word gringo and Westerners view the Japanese word gaijin or the Thai word farang. This is because many foreigners in China believe that “laowai” is a derogatory term. This is due to the fact that some Chinese frequently shout out “Laowai”! to foreigners passing by, which may then be followed up with laughter and taunting.
(Wikipedia)
•Shanghai Star: Laowai Is What You Make It (05/18/01)