A Chinese man almost started an unintended fight with an overseas sailor when he greeted him in poorly chosen English.

The man, identified as Liu, said: "Hi, gays!" when he met the sailor at Wusong Port yesterday morning. The sailor grabbed Liu and demanded an explanation. However, Liu's English was too poor to communicate. A passing policeman stepped in and explained that Liu had meant to say "Hi, guys." The two shook hands after the misunderstanding was cleared up.

(Shanghai Daily November 14, 2008)