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Gook Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ก
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gook

[ษกสŠk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

derogatory term

The term 'gook' is a derogatory racial slur used to refer to people of Asian descent. It emerged during the early 20th century and became particularly common during the Vietnam War, when American soldiers used it to describe Vietnamese people. The usage of this term is highly offensive and perpetuates racist stereotypes. It is considered a hate speech and promotes discrimination and prejudice against Asian communities. Due to its derogatory nature, the word is avoided in respectful discourse.

Synonyms

Jap, chink, slope.

Examples of usage

  • Using 'gook' in conversation is unacceptable.
  • The term was used derogatorily during the war.
  • Many find the use of 'gook' extremely offensive.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'gook'

The exact origins of the term 'gook' are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been derived from the word 'guk', which in the Filipino language means 'foreign or foreign person'. This term was adopted by American soldiers during the Philippine-American War at the turn of the 20th century to refer derogatorily to Filipino soldiers. As American military involvement increased in Asia, particularly during World War II and the Vietnam War, 'gook' began to be used more broadly to describe people of various Asian ethnicities. The term solidified its place as a racial slur in American military culture, particularly as soldiers interacted with different Asian populations. Its usage reflects a troubling history of racial prejudice and stereotyping, and it remains a painful reminder of the impact of colonialism and conflict on racial identities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,297, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.