Inday Ba

Inday Ba is a popular term in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayan region, referring to a female domestic helper or maid. The term "Inday" is a common Visayan given name for girls, and "Ba" is a shortened form of "Bai," a Visayan term of endearment or respect often used when addressing women.

The term is sometimes considered to be outdated or even mildly derogatory due to its association with subservient roles. While it might still be used informally or affectionately by some, its usage is generally discouraged in favor of more respectful terms like "kasambahay" (house helper) or simply referring to the individual by their name. "Kasambahay" is the term used in the "Batas Kasambahay" (Domestic Workers Act) of the Philippines, emphasizing a rights-based approach to domestic employment.

Historically, the use of "Inday Ba" reflected socio-economic hierarchies in the Philippines. Today, there is a growing awareness of the need to treat domestic workers with dignity and respect, reflected in the increased preference for more professional and neutral terminology.