coolie etymology

Etymology

  • From Hindi coolie ("porter, laborer"), from Tamil kūli ("wages"), from Portuguese culi ("coolie"), from Malay kuli ("laborer"), from Chinese 苦力 (kǔlì, "bitter strength").

Meaning and Origin

The term "coolie" originally referred to Indian laborers who were employed under harsh conditions in the British colonies of Southeast Asia and Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. These laborers were typically recruited from poor and working-class communities in India.

The term has since taken on a broader meaning, referring to any unskilled or low-paid laborer, especially in the context of colonial or post-colonial societies. It is often used in a derogatory or dehumanizing way.

The word "coolie" has been criticized for its racist and demeaning connotations. In many countries, it is considered an offensive term and should be avoided.

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