Hong Kong Feet

Have you ever heard of the expression Hong Kong feet?

It has two meanings, depending on where you come from.

If you're from mainland China, Taiwan, or Singapore, 香港腳 (Hong Kong foot) is slang for athlete's foot. If you're a Hong Konger, you call it Singapore feet. Some think the phrase refers to people with smelly feet, but odor is a by-product of athlete's foot.

If you're an expatriate or tourist from a country where you drive everywhere and are unaccustomed to walking, the term relates to the abuse your feet take from tramping on Hong Kong concrete all day long. Those living here toughen up after a while, but it's still easy to make the dogs bark.

Which definition is appropriate? The first is silly and disparaging for no reason. The second is a truism.

You decide.

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