The spelling of the word "hindoo" is not commonly used today as it can be considered derogatory towards Hindus. However, historically, it was used as a way to refer to the religion and culture of Hinduism. The pronunciation of "hindoo" is [hin-doo] with the stress on the first syllable. The letter "h" is pronounced with a slight aspiration, and the "d" at the end of the word is pronounced with a hard "t" sound, making it clear that there is no "oo" sound at the end.
Hindoo is an archaic term used to refer to a follower of Hinduism or someone from the Hindu community. It originated during the colonial era when British explorers and travelers encountered the people and culture of the Indian subcontinent.
The term Hindoo is derived from the Persian word "Hindu," which referred to the people residing in the region known as Hindustan or the Indian subcontinent. It was introduced to the English language as a reflection of the language and customs of this community.
Historically, the term Hindoo was used to broadly describe the people, religion, and cultural practices associated with Hinduism. However, it should be noted that the term itself has fallen out of usage and is now considered outdated, if not offensive, due to its colonial origins and associations.
Today, the preferred term to refer to individuals who practice Hinduism, and to the religion itself, is Hindu. This term is widely accepted and recognizes the diversity and complexity of the traditions and beliefs within the Hindu community.
In conclusion, Hindoo is an archaic term originating from the Persian word "Hindu," used to describe individuals who followed the religion of Hinduism or belonged to the Hindu community. However, it is essential to recognize that this term is outdated and not currently in use, with Hindu being the preferred and accepted term in modern discussions and descriptions.
A native of Hindustan.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hindoo" is an outdated term that was historically used to refer to people from or things related to India. Its etymology can be traced back to the Persian term "Hindū", which came from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu". In ancient times, the Indus River was known as "Sindhu" in Sanskrit, and over time, the term extended to encompass the land beyond the river as well. When Persian traders and conquerors encountered the people of the Indian subcontinent, they referred to them as "Hindū". The term later made its way to English through various European languages, evolving into "Hindoo" before eventually falling out of use and being replaced by "Hindu" to specifically denote those following the Hindu religion.