Search Details

Word: tongawalla (lookup in dictionary) (lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first (reverse)


Usage:

...damchee, na, na, damchee! " wailed the tongawalla to a British officer, who was trying to rent his two-wheeled tonga at an air base in India. Then a U.S. sergeant stepped from the bazaar with the souvenirs he had bought, said: "Sorry, sir, but this is mine for the afternoon...

Author: /time Magazine | Title: Army & Navy - The Hindus Have a Word | 3/29/1943 | See Source »

...profligate American." Origin: when U.S. troops first arrived at the base with pocketfuls of pay-day rupees, they hired tongas for sightseeing; at the end of a ride, after being told that the price was two rupees, the Americans would toss a ten-rupee note (about $3) to the tongawalla, remarking: "Damn cheap...

Author: /time Magazine | Title: Army & Navy - The Hindus Have a Word | 3/29/1943 | See Source »

| 1 |