Coolie

The term "coolie" is a derogatory and offensive term historically used to refer to an unskilled Asian labourer, particularly one from India, China, and other parts of Asia, often working under conditions of indentured servitude or forced labour. The term originated in the 16th century and gained widespread usage during the colonial era, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The term "coolie" is associated with a history of exploitation, discrimination, and dehumanization. Coolies were often recruited under false pretenses or coerced into signing contracts that bound them to work for low wages in harsh conditions, often far from their homes. They were employed in various industries, including agriculture (plantations), mining, and construction, across the British Empire and other colonial territories.

The word carries a strong negative connotation and is considered a racial slur due to its association with the suffering and mistreatment of Asian laborers. It is generally avoided in modern usage and replaced with more neutral and respectful terms such as "laborer," "worker," or specific terms related to the person's origin (e.g., "Indian laborer," "Chinese worker"). The use of "coolie" is widely condemned as offensive and insensitive to the historical injustices endured by the people to whom it was applied.