ABCD, FOB and Coconuts

Have you heard the acronym ABCD? It stands for American Born Confused Desi. In simple terms, it means the Indian Americans. This was the first of the many acronyms I came across which can be used in a derogatory manner. Before and after my arrival in US, I have come across this term in conversations. Have you heard the acronym FOB? It stands for Fresh Off boat. In simple terms, it means people like me who emigrated to US and are still raw. Yes, every group ridicules the other group. Isn't it funny?

Yesterday, I came across another term. This was not an acronym. My friend used the word coconuts to describe a group of people. Then I realized it is a variation of ABCD but used in a different country but in the same context. The kids of the emigrants who are naturalized citizens (and also raised there) are called coconuts. Why coconuts? 

The answer is so obvious according to my friend. Look at the shell. It is dark in color. But look inside as in soul. It is white!




Comments

  1. amit gangulyJune 20, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    Loved the way Coconut has been used to describe a set of people. Good post indeed.

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    Replies
    1. NonaJune 20, 2012 at 4:49 PM

      he he. I'm sure there are people who don't like the term! ;)

      Delete
  2. Sunil DeepakJune 20, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Like all stereotypes, this has some truth but I think that lot of it is just stupid generalizations :)

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    Replies
    1. NonaJune 20, 2012 at 5:45 PM

      Of course, that is fun part of stereotyping. Isn't it?

      Delete
  3. Kavita SahariaJune 21, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    So true. I know few coconuts.

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  4. DebopamJune 21, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Its for fun only.....

    http://debnature.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  5. TTTJune 21, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    LOL.... though I had heard about ABCD, I am coming across FOB and coconut for the first time ...

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    Replies
    1. NonaJune 21, 2012 at 9:32 PM

      :) See your vocabulary is getting better.

      Delete
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  7. D.NambiarJune 22, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    Thank you for informing me about the last 2 terms. I'd heard about ABCD. Btw there's even a novel by the title Born Confused.(don't read it. You're not missing much :) ).

    ReplyDelete

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