coolie

/ˈkuː.li/ Chinese Origin History

Original Word

苦力

Hindi (kūlī) / Cantonese (hú lihk)

Entered English

17th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "coolie"

Possibly from Cantonese 'hú lihk' (苦力), literally 'bitter strength', or from Hindi 'kūlī' (hired laborer). Used during the colonial era for unskilled Asian laborers. The word reflects the harsh conditions of indentured labor in the 19th century.

Example Usage

"The history of coolie labor is a dark chapter in colonialism."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

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