How Do You Spell COOLY?

Pronunciation: [kˈuːli] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "cooly" is a little confusing. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈkuːli/. The "oo" sound indicates a long vowel, while the "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound. The "y" at the end of the word is somewhat arbitrary, as it could also be spelled as "ie" to reflect the pronunciation. "Cooly" is a relatively uncommon word that is used to describe a laborer, especially one from India or China, who worked on plantations or in other outdoor jobs.

COOLY Meaning and Definition

1. Cooly is primarily a noun that refers to a person, especially an Indian laborer, who carries and transports goods by balancing them on their head or shoulder. This term is often associated with the manual laborers in the Indian subcontinent who skillfully balance heavy loads on their heads to transport them over long distances.

   In a broader sense, cooly can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who displays calmness, composure, and a lack of emotion, especially in challenging or intense situations. It implies a sense of detached or unflappable demeanor, often associated with individuals who possess a remarkable ability to remain calm and collected under pressure.

   The term cooly holds historical significance as it originated during the colonial era in India, where it was commonly used by the British to refer to Indian manual laborers. Although the term's initial usage was derogatory, it has evolved to encompass a broader definition to describe various aspects of resilience, physical strength, and emotional fortitude. However, it is crucial to exercise sensitivity and avoid using the term cooly in a derogatory manner, as it can be perceived as offensive and demeaning.

Common Misspellings for COOLY

• xooly
• vooly
• fooly
• cioly
• ckoly
• cpoly
• c0oly
• c9oly
• coily
• co0ly
• co9ly
• coolg
• coolh
• coolu
• cool7
• cool6
• xcooly
• cxooly
• vcooly

Etymology of COOLY

The word "cooly" is derived from the Hindi word "kuli" or "quli". It entered the English language through colonial contact with India during the British Raj. In India, the term referred to a laborer or an unskilled worker. In the early 19th century, the term was adopted by the British and used specifically to refer to Indian laborers who were often employed on plantations, docks, or as general manual laborers in Southeast Asia. With time, the term "cooly" became generalized to refer to any unskilled or manual laborer, regardless of their ethnic background. However, it is important to note that the term "cooly" is now considered offensive and outdated, and it is not recommended to use it.

Similar spelling words for COOLY

• cool,
• coil,
• cohill,
• Coll,
• jolly,
• colly,
• coolly,
• collie,
• coello,
• col,
• cowell,
• coolie,
• cowl,
• cools,
• curly,
• Coull,
• Coyle,
• cole,
• cowley,
• cooley,
• Colley,
• coal,
• Coley,
• coelho,
• coyol,
• coyly,
• coale,
• cola,
• cooler,
• color.