Where does the word paki come from?

Answer 1

The abbreviation Paki acquired offensive connotations in the 1960s when used by British tabloids to refer to subjects of former colony states in a derogotary and racist manner. In modern British usage "Paki" is typically used in a derogatory way as a label for all South Asians, including Indians and Bangladeshis. To a lesser extent, the term has been applied as a racial slur towards Arabs and other Middle Eastern-looking groups who may resemble South Asians. During the 60's many emigrants were also classed as "black" to further segregrate 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. The word has been turned into a keepsake for the young British Pakistani community that is not acceptable for someone outside the community to say it, including Indians and Bangladeshis. It is a class A swear word comparable to "******" for people of African descent in this respect. Many agree with the consensus that it is now only for the Pakistani community to use.

The racist connotations are only known in the UK. In Australia, the Pakistani cricket team are commonly referred to as the Pakis, just as the West Indians are known as the Windies. The general thought amongst Pakistanis is that the ignorance has not yet been cleared up in these countries.

Answer 2

It's a word originally used by the Muslims in India. Paki means pure. Pakistan means land of the pure.
When they came to Britain people called them Pakis as an insult, in a similar way to South Africans calling blacks Kaffirs.
Soon it was considered offensive, used as a term of abuse similar to Wog (originally a respectful name for an Indian: Western Oriental Gentleman)

Answer 3

It comes from the word Pakistan, which was a country established at the end of the 19th century and comprised East Pakistan and West Pakistan (now Bangladesh). I believe the name "PAKI"stan was orignally coined as an acronym for the territories included in the new country. I think they were Punjab, part of Afghanistan, Kashmir, and part of India.

Answer 4

Nothing special. It's just an abbreviation of Pakistan and Pakistani, so no clever origins within it, I'm afraid. Peace and love. Be lucky.

Answer 5

Pakistan

Answer 6

Short for Pakistani

Answer 7

The country of Pakistan.

Answer 8

To all of you above who think abbreviating a long word into a single syllable word is derogatory: is Brit derogatory for British? is Aussie derogatory for Australian? is Yank derogatory for American? Or is this another case of minority b1tching about one more stupid thing because they've run out of legitimate things to complain about and they want to keep the idea of racism alive?

Answer 9

It comes from "Paki"stani. Difficult innit?

Answer 10

Err - its the first four letters of the word Pakistan.