An easy language question

[Lost_in_Translation]

First I'd like to apologise for my one-time use of this forum, but it looks like you guys may be the only ones able to help me.

So I'm doing literary translation as a part of my studies in Belgium, and the text we're working on is from a book by Lawrence Scott. There's a part about a young man dressing up for the carnival, and he is described as sewing pompoms on his "washy congs". And that's the problem right here, as I can find no definition of "washy" and "cong" in contexts even remotely related to clothing. In fact, a Google search for "washy cong" yields precisely ONE relevant result... and that's a post on this very forum! So it looks like it's a word used exclusively in Trinidad, and at least one forum member is familiar with the concept :-)

I'm not expecting you guys to provide a translation, obviously, I'd just like to know what "washy congs" are and I'll figure out how to translate it from there. So, like, am I correct in guessing (from the context in the book) that they are shoes? If so, what kind of shoes? Is "washy cong" an expression of its own, or is a "cong" not necessarily "washy"? Is it a Trinidad-specific item, or a Trinidad-specific word to designate a well-known item? Is it something that's used only in the context of carnivals? Could you link to a photograph?

My questions must seem silly, but I've really exhausted all my other resources. Hope I've posted in the right forum... Thanks for reading, I sure appreciate the help!

[amzz]

You are correct! Washy congs refer to shoes that were not exclusive to carnival.
These were used maybe 30 yrs ago and if I remember correctly, were the most affordable footwear available.
The design was similar to but cheaper than this: http://images.sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/converse1.jpg
Please await the response of others on the forum who will certainly have more info for you.

[Sly1]

Lost_in_Translation: Glad to have you on board even though it will be just for this one question. Your question is very interesting and will probably brings smiles to our faces as we are caused to think back in time:) 'Washy cong' were very inexpensive canvas shoes with rubber soles, they were always white and we had to (wash) scrub them by hand with soap and a stiff brush every Saturday and put in the our tropical sun to dry. Then polished with a white liquid which would then soak into the canvas and look sparklingly white. At this web site is basically what the shoes looked like, keeping in mind that they were always white.
http://www.zappos.com/tretorn-krona-linen-black
P.S. A few years ago a family member of mine studied in your country on a Fulbright scholarship and thoroughly enjoyed the stay. He loved the warm friendship shown to and American intellectual. Your people engaged him in conversation at every opportunity. So by extension, thank you for your kindness.

[jab molassie]

"Washykongs' - similar to plimsolls

[amzz]

sly, u talked about shoe polish and I recalled the scent immediately. Is that polish still being sold?

[Sly1]

Amzz: You are right that scent was distinctive, hmm like chalk? And yes if it were put on too thickly it did cake. Right? I do not know if it is still available.

[Lost_in_Translation]

Wow, you guys are great! And I even got an explanation for the "washy" part, which makes plenty of sense. The alternative spelling "washykong" is a big help too, apparently (going by Google's results) it's more common. I should have tried other spellings... Thanks a lot! :thumbup:

Sly1, Belgium is indeed a very friendly place, I'm not from here myself (well, France is close enough, but really not the same) so I can totally relate with how welcome your friend felt. And I hope he enjoyed the great beer ;-)

[letric]

In my day there were no sneakers, only watchekongs they were washed and whitened every Saturday.