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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 The word is now considered offensive and outdated.

coolie

/ˈkuːli/ /ˈkuːli/

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 The term "coolie" is now considered outdated and offensive in many contexts.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.

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