Riam Thai

The Meaning Behind “Kwai” in Thai Slang

Why do Thai people call someone a “buffalo”? This Thai Thai Series lesson explains how ควาย (khwaai) is used to mean “stupid,” where the idea comes from, and why water buffalo are actually clever, playful animals. You’ll learn related expressions for being cheated on and teasing friends. You’ll also hear a true story of how one innocent English word started a fight on a train.

Thai Vocabulary:
ควาย (khwaai) – Buffalo / Stupid (slang)
ไม่มีวัวผสม (mâi mii wua phà-sǒm) – Completely stupid (lit. “no cow mixed in”)
โดนสวมเขา (doon sǔam khǎo) – To be cheated on (lit. “to be made to wear horns”)
จำฝังใจ (jam fǎng jai) – To never forget something hurtful
ทะเลาะวิวาท (thá-lɔ́ wí-wâat) – To quarrel / fight

Find out when it’s safe to use these words, and when they could get you into serious trouble!

AdvancedAnimalsBuffaloCultureEtiquetteFightingForeignerIdiomsInsultsPolitenessPronounsReduplicationRelationshipsRudeSlangStory

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