It is also an old derogatory term for persons of Chinese descent, originating in the
19th century when many Chinese immigrants
worked in labor gangs building railroads.
-=Brian=-
At 01/15/2001 11:08:00 PM, you wrote:
>Sajeev -- I have heard "coolie" before and you are correct that it is slang,
>but it is Australian slang for slave or laborer. It has a few meanings, but
>they all point to lower class slave type laborers.
>
>In a message dated 1/15/01 8:05:09 PM Pacific Standard Time,
>[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>
>> Sir/M'm,
>> I quote from some usenet discussion :
>> "...Harold will not be happy until the entire world is totally filled with
> coolies that will do whatever he wants, any time he wants. ..." I thought I
>should not ask in that forum, as it may be off topic. However, my question
>is what does 'Coolies' mean in US English? (It is pejorative I suppose.)
>> I know what it means in some Indian Languages. ( Wages, or Wage earner).
>> thank you, sajeev.
>
