Gora

/ˈɡɔːrə/ noun

Definition

In South Asian English (Indian, Pakistani), a derogatory or colloquial term for a white person, particularly of British or European origin.

Etymology

From Hindi/Urdu 'gora' (गोरा/گورا) meaning white or fair-skinned, from Sanskrit 'gaura.' The term originated as a simple color descriptor but gained colonial-era connotations.

Kelly Says

During British colonialism in India, 'gora' shifted from just meaning 'fair-skinned' to specifically meaning 'British colonizer,' and that colonial baggage is still attached to the word today, making it a fascinating example of how language absorbs historical power dynamics and keeps them alive in everyday speech.

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