Farang (in Thai: ฝรั่ง), sometimes pronounce falang, is the generic Thai word for a foreigner of European ancestry. While generally farang is a neutral word, it can be used in a mocking manner, or even as an insult depending on context. For instance, the expression "farang ta nam khao" (listen (help·info)) (in Thai: ฝรั่งตาน้ำข้าว - which literally means "farang with rice-milk-colored iris") would be considered an insult. It is common in Thai to just say "farang" to point out the presence of one, without making a whole sentence. Black Americans have been occasionally referred to as farang dum (black farang) in Thai: ฝรั่งดำ especially American servicemen during the Vietnam War.