Desi

2020-11-13T20:09:41Z

2601:14D:8500:2200:20F6:B57A:4C0A:55FD:

{{no sources|date=July 2020}}
'''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 [[British Raj|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.

[[Category:South Asia]]
[[Category:Culture of India]]

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Desi