that have arrived from a foreign nation and have not yet assimilated into the
host nation's culture, language, and behaviour,[1] but still continue with their
ethnic ideas and practices. Within some ethnic Asian circles in the United
States, the phrase is considered politically incorrect and derogatory. It can
also be used to describe the stereotypical behavior of new immigrants as, for
example, their poor driving skills,[2] that they are educated yet working
low-skilled or unskilled jobs, and their use of broken English. The term
originates in the early days of immigration, when people mostly migrated to
other countries by ship. "Fresh off the Boeing" (in reference to the Boeing 747
jet) is sometimes used in the United States as a variation, especially amongst
south and south-east Asian immigrants[citation needed].
In the sociology of ethnicity, this term can be seen as an indicator of a
nature of diasporic communities, or communities that have left their country of
origin and migrated, usually permanently, to another country. The term has also
been adapted by immigrants themselves or others in their community who see the
differentiation as a source of pride, where they have retained their culture and
have not lost it to assimilation. In fact, instead of taking this harm-intended
phrase as an insult, many immigrants and more specifically, East and South
Asians (especially their American-born children) may use this term to describe
their cultural background habits and fashion sense, for example "fobby
clothing", "fobby glasses", "fobby accent", and others[citation needed].
In some instances, an "ethnic community" may find it difficult to
assimilate with their new culture. Although some try to assimilate, they may
fail due to the very swift transition to the host continent.[3] In the United
Kingdom "fresh off the boat" (mostly in regard to Indians, Pakistanis, and
Bangladeshis) are referred to as freshies or simply FOBs and in the United
States they are referred to as F.O.B. or in some cases, "Boater." This is
usually a pejorative term.