In brief. Lad a Viet, either born or arrived early years in HK. Late thirties. Keen to learn the new language, particularly slang, not standard textbook. And that was quite apart from the formal competence required for his PR test. Commonly approached the former teacher/writer at table in order to show off his most recent acquisition. “When I go to the market I like to haggle.” Managed the spelling too. “After work I like to take a pizza.” As if that was something. “I am happy like a pig in mud.” Returned the more common, colourful alternative, occasioned some unpleasantness to the ear; frown across the brow over the top of the mask. Distasteful. Nonplussed, the man. Explanations fell short. Undaunted, however, finally. Are you a piss...? Pissed? Pissot?!... No. Piss-pot... It was difficult for the migrant newcomer to distinguish vulgar. In recent years the categories had also become confused. Certainly not a middle class lad; that was not the problem. It was common in Asia, shrinking from blunt, coarse language. A foreigner did not easily get to first base either with the practised, roughhouse exponents. Earlier the chap had brought out a new, large dishcloth to a compatriot at the table served a bowl of soup, young lady in white Dixie dress tight at the bottom and hanging on long straps. Unfolded, she could place it over her front as indicated. The nice man. Part of the character. (Huong in Footscray was straight & simple. Good fare. Minor pretentiousness. Hopefully the story of the lady owner’s Buddhist nun aunt making the spring rolls in her home kitchen could be trusted.)
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