Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Historical, often offensive) An unskilled laborer, particularly one from Asia, hired for cheap manual work. The term is historically associated with indentured or forced labor systems in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
   • (Ethnic slur) An offensive and derogatory term used to refer to an Asian laborer.

Usage

• The term is considered highly offensive and derogatory in modern usage. It should be avoided in contemporary language. It is primarily encountered in historical texts discussing labor conditions.
• Example: Historical records document the harsh conditions faced by coolies on plantations and railway construction projects.
• Example: Using the word coolie as a descriptor for a worker is unacceptable and racist.

Advanced Usage

• The term appears in historical and sociological contexts to describe a system of labor, often referred to as "coolie labor" or the "coolie trade." Even in academic writing, its use is carefully contextualized due to its offensive connotations.
  • The study examined the economic impact of the coolie system in the colonial Caribbean.

Variants and Related Words

• Coolie hat: A type of wide-brimmed hat, often made of straw. While the name derives from the same source, this term for the hat is also increasingly considered outdated and potentially offensive. Terms like "rice paddy hat" or "Asian conical hat" are more neutral descriptors.
• Coolieism: (Rare, historical) The practice or system of employing coolies.

Synonyms

• Laborer (neutral)
• Worker (neutral)
• Peon (can be derogatory in some contexts)
• Drudge (implies hard, menial work)

Important Note on Usage

• "Coolie" is an ethnic slur. Its use is deeply offensive as it reduces individuals to a dehumanizing historical stereotype of exploitable labor. Always use neutral terms like laborer, worker, or more specific job titles instead. In historical discussion, it is crucial to frame the term within quotes and provide context about its derogatory nature.

Noun

1. (ethnic slur) an offensive name for an unskilled Asian laborer