Paki

Shortened from Pakistani.

• IPA^(key): /ˈpæki/
• Rhymes: -æki

Paki (plural Pakis)

1. (Britain, Canada, Ireland, offensive, ethnic slur) A Pakistani.
2. (Britain, Canada, offensive, ethnic slur) Anyone whose origins are perceived to be from South Asia/the Indian subcontinent.

Paki acquired offensive connotations in the 1960s when used by British tabloids to refer to subjects of former colony states in a derogatory and racist manner. In modern British usage "Paki" is typically a derogatory label referring to South Asians beyond Pakistan, including those from India, Afghanistan and elsewhere. To a lesser extent, it has also been applied to Arabs and others perceived to resemble South Asians. During the 60's many emigrants were also dubbed as "black" to further segregate them from the white community. Some would say such a division still exists in parts of England.

In recent times there has been a trend by second and third-generation British Pakistanis to reclaim the word, so that it can be used between young British Pakistanis, but not by outsiders, even Indians and Bangladeshis.

Paki (not comparable)

1. (Britain, Canada, derogatory) Pakistani, or perceived to be Pakistani.

• Paki shop

• Paik, kipa, pika

Paki m (plural Pakis)

1. (ethnic slur) Paki (offensive term for a Pakistani)