Coolie - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A coolie is a historical term for an unskilled laborer, often of Asian descent, who worked in harsh conditions for low wages. The word is now considered offensive and outdated.
Definition:
A historical term for an unskilled laborer, often of Asian descent, hired for low wages.
Synonyms:
laborer, worker, porter, drudge
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
employer, overseer
Common Collocations:
coolie labor, coolie trade, coolie system
Derivatives:
coolies, cooliedom
Usage Tips:
Use "coolie" cautiously due to its historical and potentially offensive connotations related to exploitation.
Common Phrases:
coolie hat, coolie labor system, coolie trade
Etymology:
Derived from Hindi "qulī," meaning hired servant or laborer; entered English via colonial contexts in Asia.
Examples:
- 1. The coolie carried heavy loads at the docks every day.
- 2. Many railways were built by coolies in the 19th century.
- 3. The term "coolie" is now considered outdated and offensive in many contexts.
- 4. Coolies often worked under harsh conditions for very little pay.