Skip to content
word of the day

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

pariah (noun) – 1 : a member of a low caste of southern India
2 : one that is despised or rejected

Source : Online Etymology Dictionary

Etymology : 1610s, “member of a low caste in southern India, shunned as unclean,” from Portuguese paria or directly from Tamil (Dravidian) paraiyar, plural of paraiyan “drummer” (at festivals, the hereditary duty of members of the largest of the lower castes of southern India), from parai “large festival drum.” “Especially numerous at Madras, where its members supplied most of the domestics in European service” [OED]. Applied by Hindus and Europeans to any members of low Hindu castes and even to outcastes. Extended meaning “social outcast” is attested by 1819.

If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest

Night Cap

Night Cap

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public
Tiny Home Thursday

Tiny Home Thursday

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public
Iran War Fallout: Is New Zealand Ready for a Fuel Shortage?

Iran War Fallout: Is New Zealand Ready for a Fuel Shortage?

If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your support keeps

Members Public