noun
General Slang
18+
coolie
KOO-lee · noun · offensive
Mature Content
May contain explicit language some viewers may find offensive. Intended for adults.
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coolie In A Sentence
Origin & Usage
Pan-Caribbean; from Hindi/Tamil 'kuli' (labourer).
People Also Ask
What does 'coolie' mean?
It's a now largely offensive term for a person of Indian descent in the Caribbean; historically it referred to indentured labourers.
Is 'coolie' offensive?
Yes, in most contexts it's considered a dated, derogatory slur, though some Indo-Caribbean people have reclaimed it in cultural settings.
Where does 'coolie' come from?
It derives from the Hindi/Tamil word 'kuli', meaning labourer, and dates to the indentureship era.
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