Desi

Desi (pronounced DEH-see or DAY-see) is a supra-ethnic and pan-ethnic term that refers to people and things from the Indian subcontinent. The word "Desi" comes from the Sanskrit word देश (deśá), which means "land" or "country." People agree that the word refers to things and people from the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

Origin

The word "Desi" as it is known comes from the Hindustani word deśī, which means a "national" of a country. That word comes from the Sanskrit word देश (deśá), which means "land" or "country." The first known use of the word was in 200 BCE.

History

During colonial times, the word Desi was used to show that something was not vilāyati ("Blighty," or British).

Culture

Desi is a word that is used to describe South Asia in general instead of to a specific culture or country.

Arts

Music and dances that are from the region are called "Desi."

Food

In South Asia, "Desi food" refers to the traditional foods of the region. Desi daru refers to traditional alcoholic drinks such as fenny, toddy, and arrack. A foreign liquor that is made in India, like Indian-made rum or vodka, would not be considered Desi.