A surname of Irish origin, or potentially a variant spelling of 'coolie', a historical term for an unskilled laborer. May also refer to geographic locations named Cooley.
Irish surname from 'Mac Cumhaill' or 'Ó Cumhaill'. As a variant of 'coolie', derives from Hindi 'kulī' meaning laborer. Geographic usage comes from Irish 'Cúailnge' meaning cattle-fold.
This word demonstrates how the same spelling can carry completely different cultural weights - from a proud Irish heritage name to a potentially offensive labor term. Context and sensitivity matter enormously in its usage.
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