siamese

Siamese is an historical term that has referred to things associated with Siam, the former name of Thailand. In modern usage, references to people are generally described as Thai, and the country itself as Thailand. "Siamese" persists in certain contexts, especially in the names of breeds, historical texts, and as a legacy term. The term’s acceptability varies by context and audience.

Siamese cats, a well-known breed, originated in Siam and were popularized in the West during the 19th century. They typically have a color-point coat with darker coloration on the ears, face, paws, and tail, and blue almond-shaped eyes. The breed is noted for its slender body, vocal and social nature, strong bonding with owners, and high activity level. They require regular interaction and enrichment.

Siamese twins is an outdated label for conjoined twins, derived from the 19th‑century case of Chang and Eng Bunker, who were born in Siam in 1811. The term is now considered archaic or stigmatizing in many contexts; most people prefer "conjoined twins" with a description of how the bodies are joined. The term management and medical terminology emphasizes individual anatomy and shared physiology rather than the historical label.

Regarding language and nationality, "Siamese" was once used to describe the Thai language and the people of Siam. Today, "Thai" is the accepted term for the language and the nation's citizens. The word remains visible in place names, cultural references, and some historical writings.