Before I tell you anything, I need to tell you, 'What is Casteist?'
Casteist: Discriminating or Distinguishing people based on their caste.
We all might've done it, either knowingly or unknowingly. We use these words without realising that these are actually offensive and it is not OK say these out casually.
P.S: You might not be aware that these words are 'Casteist' and are offensive to say, Maybe because no one has ever told you that, it is not OK to use these as slurs, but now, you do. Know the words, and do not use them.
1. Uppara
Used to describe an useless situation/discussion.
'Aapandi ra ee Uppara meeting lu'
Uppara is a caste categorised as 'Other Backward Class' in India. Majorly found in Karnataka & Maharastra
2. Chandalam
Used to describe something disgusting.
'Chandalam ga undi'
Chandala is a Sanskrit word for someone who deals with disposal of corpses (dead bodies), and is a Hindu lower caste, traditionally considered to be untouchable.
3. Budabukkala
Used to describe something ridiculous.
'Budabukkaloda'
The Budabukkala is a community that has been designated as an 'Other Backward Class' in Andhra Pradesh since 1993.
4. Mala
Casteist slur
'Maloda'
Mala are Dalits from the south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Mala groups are considered as Scheduled Castes by the Government of India.
5. Madiga
Casteist slur
'Madigoda'
Madiga (also known as Maadiga,Maatangi, Makkalu, Madiga and Madigaru) are a Dalit artisan group. They are classified as a Scheduled Caste and are found in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala.
6. Yaanadi
Used to describe someone who's ugly or in a poor state.
'Yanadoda'
The Yenadi are located in Andhra Pradesh, southern India. They live primarily in the districts of Nellore and Chittoor. They speak Yanadi, For many years, the Yenadi lived in isolation on the island of Sri Harikota, off the Nellore district.
7. Lambadi
Casteist slur
'Lambadi daana'
The Banjara (also called Gor, Lamans, Lambadi, Lambhani, Lambani and Gormati) are a community usually described as nomadic people with origins in Rajasthan.
8. Nakkalollu
Used to describe someone who looks ridiculous.
'Nakkalolla panulu'
Nakkalollu, are the members of Nakkala Scheduled Tribe, who are mostly visible in South India. They sell beads, combs and small utensils.
9. Yerukula
Used to describe someone who's dirty.
'Yerukalolla panulu'
Yerukala or Erukala or Erukula is a caste or social group primarily found in Southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
10. Paraya
Used to describe someone who shouldn't be owned.
'Paraya Odu'
Paraya or Paraiyar or Pariah, is a caste group found in Sri Lanka and the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
11. Kasai
Used to describe an enemy.
'Kasai Odu'
The Khatik or Kasai are a ethnic tribe found in India and Pakistan and are recognised as Scheduled And General Castes
12. Katika
Used to describe something that's extremely dark.
'Katika cheekati'
'Katika' is a section hailing from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states in India.
The whole point of the article is to let people know that, the words that we casually use and say out in daily life are actually casteist. Now that you know that it is not OK to use these as slurs, educate more people about it, make them understand and spread the word.
Watch the video below to know more about 'Casteist Slurs':
Follow the work of AntiCasteCat on Instagram to know more about everyday casteism around us.
