What do you say to someone that has foul body odor but is otherwise normal, and they are Indian descent?

Question

I mean, it's part of their culture. But if they are at a gathering everyone is snickering and remembers the event in a negative way.

Answer 1

always ask them "do you smell that?"

Answer 2

I remember I was in a situation like that, and in NO WAY am I trying to degrade Indians, because I think that they are a really cool group of people! But these two Indian guys were in college and painting a room, working for my parents, and the smell was unbelieveably gross. My friends would always complain or joke about how they didn't shower and stuff. I had no idea it was part of their culture, I just figured that those guys never took a bath. But now I know...I don't know what they do in the case of a public event.

Hmmm, good luck with the rest of your answers! ^_^

Answer 3

hahahahha! I have this problem all the time. I'm Indian myself, but I was born and raised in the US so I don't have that "foul body odor" but some of my friends and cousins do. Indian people (straight from India) are not accustomed to wearing deodorants because it's so hot there that everyone smells the same way and they don't think twice about it. The smell is actually really nasty. Just give him/her some perfume and nice-smelling body lotion and deodorant as a present. We love giving and getting gifts, so they'll most likely use it and ease your sense of that smell.

Answer 4

First, don't shower. Then notice your own stink in front of the person. Then say this, "WOW, I smell like a$$. This is a horrible thing! What kind of deodorant do you use?" If they say they don't, feign shock and explain to this person that smelling like a$$ is a huge social Faux Paus and then explain the process of good morning hygiene and buy them an effective deodorant soap and stick as a friendly gift.

However I know many people from India and I have to say that they smell fine to me. Never noticed a smell in fact. So I'm not sure what you mean about it being part of their culture.

Answer 5

Having foul body odor is not part of anyone's culture. Not wearing deodorant might be.

Tell him in a kind way that he has an odor, and suggest a deodorant soap or something. But be nice and do not laugh at him.

Answer 6

It is not part of Indian culture to have a foul body odor. Unless you are a close friend, I'd just keep my distance and not say anything.

Answer 7

How well do you know this person? How old is he/she?
If they are older generation - nothing you can do.

One guy (he was 22) told me he'll only listen if it's coming from a woman. I came up to him and said "Did you get a chance to get settled, do you need anything from a supermarket? Detergents, soap?" He said "yes, I'm OK on that, Why?" I said, "I don't know how to pu it, but.... you need to wash, man!" Girls can pull it off, if they are friendly enough.
I thought he'll be offended, but he wasn't. He said he was glad I told him, because he knew that he has to live by new rules and wach every day, but wasn't sure if it's doing anything for him.
(He was a new coworker. I decided the smell was unbareable. I'd try to put it nicely. If he listens - great. If takes offence and quits - whatever.)

Answer 8

I had this kinda happen with a friend of mine who had bad breath. This is what I did. I told her, flat out, but was very polite about it. Just take him aside and say something along the lines of "No offense, buddy, but I have to tell you this, so please don't get upset. You have really bad body oder...what are some things that we could do for this?" Put it out there as something you're willing to help him with. He'll prolly be glad you told him, because his b.o. most likely does not sit well with the ladies. I know my friend was embarrassed, but happy I let her know.

Answer 9

if u are their friend tell them you found this great soap and give them a bar or give him some cologne but if he doesn' t wash that would be like a navy shower which would make it worse.


It is not part of their culture though although it is common - but I know what you meanthem do have a particular smell - it may be the food they eat perhaps coming out in their skin

Answer 10

I'm friends with a lot of Indians, and they dont smell. lets just clear that up for those stereotyping closeminded bigots who replied before me.

if you are very close to the person, you could tell them that you respect their culture but you don't want people to laugh at them, so maybe they could shower up before they go to a formal gathering. if you arent tight with the person either ignore it or find someone who is clsoe to them. good luck

Answer 11

The same as you would tell a white smelly person. Its awkward but a real friend would tell them. As far as I know its not an Indian culture thing.