In everyday Khmer speech there isn't a distinct line between a compliment and an insult. Honest, open (sometimes brutal!) comments frequently contain a mixture of both. For example:
1. Pip! I remember we met before when you visited Poipet! At that time I wasn't interested in getting to know you because many people come to visit so I didn't want to make the effort...yeah... I wasn't interested...
2. At first when I was asked if a foreigner could stay in my house I was nervous. But in all your habits you are exactly like a Khmer... except sometimes when you speak it isn't that clear.
3. Big Sister Pip- you've lost weight. Maybe you have Aids?
I especially like #3! - Ali
ReplyDeletethis makes me miss cambodia...the third one is a winner =)
ReplyDelete-kira