2 definitions by Dictionary Johnson
1) a whiskey and soda, served in equal measures over ice; from a Malay word for “half”
2) by analogy, a person of mixed European and Asian descent; used pejoratively by the British in imperial Singapore
2) by analogy, a person of mixed European and Asian descent; used pejoratively by the British in imperial Singapore
“He had heard reports that Matthew had been seen with Miss Chiang but did not want to bring the matter up until he was more sure of his ground, for it was out of the question for a Webb to be seen associating openly with a ‘stengah’ ….” (J.G. Farrell, The Singapore Grip, 1978)
by Dictionary Johnson April 24, 2021
‘“Oh goodness no,” Guy would say—“Anthony’s holding out for canonization!” Anthony was rather pi.’
(Miranda Carter, Anthony Blunt: His Lives (quoting Jackie Hewit)
(Miranda Carter, Anthony Blunt: His Lives (quoting Jackie Hewit)
by Dictionary Johnson July 16, 2023