There is a term for Pakistanis that is considered derogatory in Canada.

[Swede]

"Pakis" is the term,I've seen several folks use it here,so maybe it's not in the US?

[Cronus Protagonist]

1. I don't think that's any more derogatory than "yanks"

IMHO.

[Swede]

4. Well you know how the root word for negro degenerated.

It's quite insulting up here.

[pitohui]

2. i never hear it used here, i'm aware it's considered derogatory in britain

it's a word i would not feel comfortable using but i honestly never hear it here in the south anyway


it may be a sad comment but i would guess that many of my fellow citizens of louisiana have very little idea that india and pakistan are actually two different countries

[alfredo]

3. That term is used all over Europe too. You need to read Rushdie's

"Satanic Verses" to get a good understanding of the plight of the south Asians in Europe. You might understand why some have lashed out.

[LeftishBrit]

5. It is common and derogatory in the UK

It tends to be used by English racists to refer, not to citizens of Pakistan, but to British immigrants from Pakistan and their descendants. British racists tend not to be all that geographically precise, so that they use the word 'Pakis' for all British Asians, including those of Indian, Bangladeshi, etc. descent.

[FloridaJudy]

9. Racists of all nationalities

Would be well advised to avoid choosing "Geography" as a category in Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit.

I've noticed a tendency recently for American newscasters to use the word "Brit" when referring to citizens of the United Kingdom. Would some consider that mildly insulting? To me, it sounds grating: it may not be derogatory, but it strikes me as overly colloquial in a serious newscast, rather like hearing a BBC commentator refer to American victims of terror as "Yanks". I don't mind being called a "Yank" myself (I've been called worse), but it would strike me as disrespectful coming from an official spokesperson.

Some American "anti-terrorism expect" was interviewed on MSNBC last night. About the tenth time he referred to "Brits" I had the urge to reach through my monitor and strangle the lout. When people are being killed at least afford them the courtesy of refraining from slang.

No aspersions on your user name meant. I think it's a hoot, but then I'm half English myself. The other half is Russkie, and I'm all Yank.

[LeftishBrit]

21. Agree that their geography tends to be confused. As does their history, etc

I know some British people who hate the word 'Brit' but most don't mind it - I don't, obviously. However, it would be seriously inappropriate from a news announcer - as you say, a bit like saying "Today the Yank Ambassador to the Russkies announced..."

[pitohui]

23. "brit" is meant to be friendly and admiring

americans are an informal people by nature and i can assure that, unlike "paki" there is no hurtful or racist intent in the use of "brit"

be that as it may, since this is not the first time i've heard someone complain about "brit," i'm retiring it from my vocabulary

"yank" is a horrible thing to call anybody but i'm from the south, i would think so but it isn't like i'd punch someone out in a pub if they called me a "yank," i'd just quietly roll my eyes

[old mark]

6. I heard this term for over 30 years, never thought of it a derogatory.

Any more than "Swede".
You Canuks are too fuckin' sensitive.
mark

[canadianbeaver]

7. Comedian Russel Peters....

He uses it in his stand up.....asking if there are any "Indians" in his audiance..one person says that he is Pakistani not Indian...and Russel ends up saying "Well sorry...but he was called a Paki all his life growing up..when he is actually Indian" ...Russel was using the term "Indian" like the word "Asian"...as in general terms and the heckler pointed out the difference and Russel went with it....

It is definitely derogatory here in Canada tho....but it does get used by others...and not in a good way....unfortunately, I hear it too often, and Yes..I have spoken up about the term and how it was used, if I catch someone using it as such.

[FloridaJudy]

14. I've noticed that in English novels

The term "Asian" almost always refers to people from the sub-continent. Those from the far East are called "Orientals".

In America referring to someone from Japan or China as an "Oriental" would be considered ignorant at best and possibly deliberately insulting, but I find the distinction makes sense. When I use the word "Indian", I always have to clarify whether the person is an Original American or a resident of Calcutta. Or as an acquaintance once crudely but humorously put it "Red dot or feathers?"

Or I could be talking about Hari Running Wolf, and really confuse the daylights out of people.

[canadianbeaver]

16. I work with many "Indians".....

and I always use the term Indian as they do when speaking of themselves too....when speaking of the First Nations people...I say Native....When I was a bit younger...I used to call Indians "East Indians"...but now I just say Indians.

[TruthTeller]

8. The derogatory term is Paks not Pakis unless the user is ignorant

The term "Paki" is the region where the group of people reside. The term stan means "people of." Pakistan (pronounced correctly by Obama- Pah-kee-stahn)is translated as the people of the Paki region. All the "stans" refer to the region. Afghanistan, Kurdistan, etc..

We were talking about how groups of people have been hated in history and the terms used to dehumanize them in class the other day and one student did state "Pak" was the derogatory term. Very surprising for a fourth grader. He was not being rude but inputting to the conversation.

TT

[Posteritatis]

10. Intent matters too; the main slur for Iraqis used to be an honorific (nt)

[Swede]

17. PAK is short for Pashtun,Afghan and Kashmere.

It is not a region. "Paki" equals "nigger" in Canada.

Istan means were they live. Kazakhistan,Uzbekistan etc.

[muriel_volestrangler]

18. Most people would say it's the other way round

'Paki' is definitely held to be derogatory in Britain, these days; you'll find 'Pak' used in Pakistani newspapers, as an adjective, anyway - eg Propaganda against ISI, Pak Army

[TruthTeller]

19. Ok-"land of" not region not intended to be inflamatory...

hence why I've been here since Sept. 12, 2001 but post rarely. Per Wikipedia and other sources it means "land of" based on regional areas where the original people lived. (literally meaning "the land of....")


My intent was to say that I was speaking with a Canadian student who is of Indian (India) nationality and he knew that the term was used in Canada was PAK as derogatory. In the US--Michigan--we do not tend to use the term Paki as derogatory but in my circles it is PAK that is offensive.

Back to lurking!

[EFerrari]

11. Yes, it is derogatory but a lot of people don't seem to realize it. n/t

[Poiuyt]

12. I heard George HW Bush refer to Pakis

I didn't like his politics, but at least he was well versed on foreign affairs (other than throwing up on the Japanese PM).

[TheWraith]

13. In the US, it can be either derogatory or not, depending on intent. nt

[spindrifter]

15. It is very offensive and I wish people would stop using it.

[Bucky]

20. I've seen people around Pakistanis use "Paks" without giving offense, but I knew "Paki" is offensive

Coming from a total outsider's POV, I can't see why Paki is offensive but Pak doesn't bother anyone. But then, I don't have to. Once I'm told something offends people, I quit doing it.

[Swede]

22. It's a good policy.

One I've learned right here on DU.

[FloridaJudy]

25. Odd that what the Right Wing decries

As "political correctness" is just what my mother called good manners. And politeness never killed anyone.

[MillieJo]

24. In the UK it is considered deeply racist,......

and offensive.