cooly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowhistorical, dated, offensive
Quick answer
What does “cooly” mean?
A dated and often offensive term for an unskilled labourer, typically of Asian descent, hired for cheap manual work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dated and often offensive term for an unskilled labourer, typically of Asian descent, hired for cheap manual work.
Historically, a person transported from India, China, or other parts of Asia as an indentured labourer, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties recognise the term, but its historical use is more strongly associated with British colonial territories. American usage is less frequent.
Connotations
Uniformly negative and archaic in both varieties, carrying connotations of racial prejudice and exploitation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary language, found almost exclusively in historical texts or discussions of colonial history.
Grammar
How to Use “cooly” in a Sentence
work as a ~hire a ~transport ~sVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used critically in historical, post-colonial, or sociological studies to discuss labour migration and exploitation.
Everyday
Avoided due to its offensive nature.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cooly”
- Using it as a modern, neutral term for a worker.
- Confusing it with the adverb 'coolly' (calmly).
- Misspelling as 'coolie' (the more common variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cooly' is a less common variant spelling of 'coolie'. Both are dated and offensive terms.
No, it is absolutely inappropriate and offensive. Use neutral terms like 'delivery driver' or 'courier'.
It reduces a person to a low-status, replaceable commodity and is steeped in the history of colonial exploitation and racial prejudice.
Almost exclusively in historical documents, academic analyses of colonialism, or older literature. It should always be presented with critical context.
A dated and often offensive term for an unskilled labourer, typically of Asian descent, hired for cheap manual work.
Cooly is usually historical, dated, offensive in register.
Cooly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkuːli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkuːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the historical context of 'cool' (unemotional) labour - but remember this is an outdated and disrespectful term for exploited workers.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN BEING AS COMMODITY / LABOUR AS A DISPASSIONATE TRANSACTION
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for avoiding the word 'cooly' in modern English?