Chuckram

/ˈtʃʌkræm/ noun

Definition

A type of coin used historically in India, or a bangle or ornament made of base metal; also, a counterfeit or worthless coin.

Etymology

From Hindi chukram or Urdu chukram, originally referring to a silver coin used in colonial India. The term extended to mean anything of little value.

Kelly Says

Chuckrams appear in early British colonial literature as slang for both real Indian coins and fake ones—the word reveals how colonial traders had contempt for local currency and business practices, even as they were using them to get rich.

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