desi

Desi is a term derived from the Sanskrit word deśa meaning country or land, and from the Hindi-Urdu word des, meaning local or belonging to one’s own country. In contemporary usage, desi functions as an ethnonym and descriptor for the people, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent, especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and more broadly the region’s diasporic communities. The word can indicate heritage and cultural affiliation rather than nationality alone.

In English-language contexts, desi is used as an informal label for people of South Asian origin, including members of diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. It also appears as an adjective describing objects or practices associated with South Asia, such as desi cuisine, desi music, or desi fashion. In speech or media, capitalized forms like Desi may appear when used as a proper noun or brand name but is generally written in lowercase.

Desi culture encompasses a range of regional traditions, languages, and cuisines. Common references include dishes rooted in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi kitchens; film and music industries such as Bollywood and Desi-pop; and traditional garments adapted by diaspora communities. The term is not a fixed ethnic label; individual identification varies by nationality, language, religion, and personal preference, and some people prefer more specific descriptors.