Cooli vs. Coolie — Which is Correct Spelling?

Historically, a term used in colonial times to refer to local hired laborers in Asia and Africa.

A laborer or porter, often in countries in Asia.

A hired person who does heavy manual work.

An offensive term in some contexts due to historical implications of exploitation.

A coolie (also spelled koelie, kuli, cooli, cooly, or quli) is an outdated, offensive, and racist term for a low-wage laborer, typically of South Asian descent.The word coolie was first popularized in the 16th century by European traders across Asia, and by the 18th century would refer to migrant Indian indentured laborers, and by the 19th century, would gain a new definition of the systematic shipping and hiring of Asian workers under contract on plantations that had been formerly worked by enslaved Africans. The word has had a variety of other implications and is sometimes regarded as offensive or a pejorative, depending upon the historical and geographical context; in India, its country of origin, it is still considered a derogatory slur.

An unskilled Asian laborer.

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.

An Indian or a person of Indian descent.

Same as Cooly.

An offensive name for an unskilled Asian laborer

In informal use, someone who works hard for low pay.

The coolie wiped his brow after a long day's work.

The coolie lifted the heavy crate with ease.

She hired a coolie to help her navigate the crowded market.

At the end of the day, the coolie counted his earnings.

The coolie enjoyed a brief rest in the shade.

As the train arrived, the coolie prepared to load the passengers' luggage.

Every morning, the coolie would start his shift at the dock.

The coolie maneuvered the cart through the narrow streets.

A young coolie was learning the trade from his father.

The coolie was a familiar sight at the bustling bus station.

During the festival, the coolie worked extra hours.

The coolie often received tips for his quick service.

The coolie took great care in handling fragile items.

The oldest coolie in the town had worked there for over fifty years.

Each coolie had a specific area at the station where they operated.

On hot days, the coolie struggled with the extreme temperatures.

The coolie saved money to start his own business one day.

After working as a coolie, he would return to his second job at night.

The coolie shared stories of his village with curious tourists.

He became a coolie to support his family.

Being a coolie required good physical condition.

The coolie helped an elderly lady onto the train.