English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com

coolie — meaning in English

French → English · translate English → French instead

English meaning

  • coolie noun (dated, now often offensive) An unskilled laborer, historically often of Chinese or Indian descent, especially one working under an indenture system.

Senses

coolie is used for these senses in English:

  • coolie An unskilled Asian worker, usually of Chinese or Indian descent; a labourer; a porter. Coolies were frequently transported to other countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries as indentured labourers.