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desi
[< Sanskrit desá 'home']
DCHP-3.1 (Jun 2026)
Spelling variants:"Desi", Desi, desi, desis
Desi in the below meanings 1-5 is not considered derogatory; however, the term has been used as a means to disparage people(s) of South Asian descent (see meaning 6). The term in such a context is considered offensive and is included because it documents actual use of this term. This is not an endorsement of its use.
Desi as a stand-alone noun is usually not used in Canadian English. It is generally used as an attributive adjective to describe certain qualities (see the individual meanings) or in noun compounds (see, e.g. the 1998 quotation in meaning 1a)
Desi as a stand-alone noun is usually not used in Canadian English. It is generally used as an attributive adjective to describe certain qualities (see the individual meanings) or in noun compounds (see, e.g. the 1998 quotation in meaning 1a)
1a†n. — Rare
home, land.
Desi derives from Sanskrit desà, meaning 'home', and is found in a number of South Asian languages, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and others, where the root has cognates. Desi in the meaning of 'home', is quite rare in Canada at present and therefore, the term is marked with a dagger to show that is not a Canadianism in our typology.
Desi is more frequent in Canadian English to signify different meanings, however; it is used to describe something as coming from South Asian culture, food, clothing, art and heritage (see Charts 1-4, please note the y-axis units to estimate relative frequencies across charts). Desi, however, is often used by the South Asian diaspora in Canada (and beyond) to identify something as 'coming from home'.
Desi is more frequent in Canadian English to signify different meanings, however; it is used to describe something as coming from South Asian culture, food, clothing, art and heritage (see Charts 1-4, please note the y-axis units to estimate relative frequencies across charts). Desi, however, is often used by the South Asian diaspora in Canada (and beyond) to identify something as 'coming from home'.
This meaning is roughly equivalent to what European immigrants used to refer to as "the old country", the country of their origin, however long their journey may be in the past.
A good way to picture the relevance of desi for the South Asian diaspora is to reflect on the use of Canuck or Maple Leaf in the Anglo-Irish Canadian context, or Ube in the Filippino context (see the red links below).
Quotations
1998
As a second generation South Asian woman I imagine that 1 piece together al1 of my identities as an academic, as a daughter, as a "brown girl" through broken words of desi love. This journey that 1 have embarked upon is one that comes out of necessity. We study who we are.
2023
A lot of these markets sell items commonly associated with "Desi" or South Asian countries, so they are known as Desi stores. The word Desi is derived from Sanskrit and means "land and country." It's used to describe the people, culture and products of the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora, which generally includes people from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.
1b†adj. — Flora, Fauna
indigenous, native.
Desi, referring to flora and fauna that are native to South Asia, is distinctly South Asian in its usage (see Oxford English Dictionary 'desi': meaning 1a). Flora and fauna that are referred to in this manner have entered Canadian English through early trading relationships and document some of the earliest uses of desi in Canada (see meaning 4c).
Quotations
2aadj. — Arts and culture, Food & drink, Ethnicities, Canadian mosaic
relating to South Asian culture, homestyle.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Referring to South Asian cultural food, clothing and art. As part of the cultural "Canadian Mosaic", this meaning is culturally significant as a term central to the large Canadian-South Asian population.
As part of South Asian food culture, desi refers to either traditional cuisine or preparation; or the making of foreign dishes using traditional spices such as turmeric, garam masala, cardamom, etc.
Desi clothing, often refers to the diverse cultural fashion of South Asian countries. These clothing items include Sarees, Salwar Kameez, Lehenga Choli which are often made of high-quality fabrics like silk, kashmir, khadi, or bandhani ('tie dye'). 'Homestyle' desi fashion can either be attributed to traditionally made garments or a cultural fashion style.
Desi art ranges across many mediums, and can be attributed to traditional style relating to 'home', or now towards the symbol of desi in Canada (and beyond) (see meaning 5).
As part of South Asian food culture, desi refers to either traditional cuisine or preparation; or the making of foreign dishes using traditional spices such as turmeric, garam masala, cardamom, etc.
Desi clothing, often refers to the diverse cultural fashion of South Asian countries. These clothing items include Sarees, Salwar Kameez, Lehenga Choli which are often made of high-quality fabrics like silk, kashmir, khadi, or bandhani ('tie dye'). 'Homestyle' desi fashion can either be attributed to traditionally made garments or a cultural fashion style.
Desi art ranges across many mediums, and can be attributed to traditional style relating to 'home', or now towards the symbol of desi in Canada (and beyond) (see meaning 5).
Quotations
2002
What you have is Bollywood/Hollywood: Mehtas's hybrid of elements that are distinctly set to a Western tune. The film itself is set in the Indian community of Toronto. Yes, there is song, dance and all the melodrama of desi (Indian-made) films.
2011
Desi-lit superstar Vikram Seth ( for example, loitered in the festival bar on Friday night flirting with all comers. "I love this place," he enthused. "It's more like a bazaar - anyone can come in."
2012
While there will be a sari-tying contest and Punjabi beats and Desi hip hop, there will be no curry or paneer. And there will be salsa lessons after 9.
2019
Nilanjana Roy is an Indian literary critic and author of the Hundred Names of Darkness, a series about magical cats living in New Delhi's old streets and beautiful parks. She's extremely active on Twitter as @nilanjanaroy, where she writes lucidly about Indian politics and her blogs are themselves fantastic resources about desi literature in English.
2023
Tried some desi flavoured cake in the past through this baker. They were really good.https://www.instagram.com/smiling.treats/
2024
We have been exploring the theme: “How does culture show up in the everyday?” and were recently inspired by a news article on “Indian Style Pizza”. We blended our love of home-cooking and pizza in the form of comforting flavours such as green chilies, cilantro, ginger and garlic which are signature flavours of Desi style pizzas.
2025
In May 2025, the National Arts Centre hosted Desi Dhamaka, our first large-scale community activation with Ottawa’s South Asian community. What began as a connection to English Theatre’s Mahabharata evolved into a vibrant celebration of culture, belonging, and exchange.
2026
However, there is a silent partner in this culinary dance that often goes unsung: the Desi soda. In the streets of Delhi and across the vibrant neighbourhoods of India, a meal is never truly complete without the sharp, effervescent “pop” of a glass bottle and the cooling relief of a spiced carbonated beverage.
2bn. & adj. — Ethnicities, Canadian mosaic, Immigration
relating to South Asian identity, usually in positive ways.
Quotations
1998
I would like to point out that not all of us subscribed to a "feeling" of South Asian-ness -- a "desi feeling" -- however, all of us were caught up in the politics of identity -- or identifying as South Asian.
3n. & adj. — Ethnicities, Canadian mosaic, Immigration
a person of South Asian descent, whether in Canada (diaspora) or in South Asia.
Type: 5. Frequency — Desi is a term used to designate South Asians in Canada. Its precise meaning is relative to the reference group and could be (East) Indian, Pakistani, Punjabi and the like. Desi appears to be a Type 2-Preservation in Canadian English, taking over via British English, as desi is attested in the OED-3, Merriam-Webster dictionary and also in the Brittanica Encyclopedia (see References 1, 2 & 3).
In 1997, the monthly magazine Desi News was founded in Etobicoke, ON, dealing with matters of "South Asian Canadian & East Indian Canadian" interest in the Greater Toronto Region. It ran until 2018 as a paper copy, according to National Library and Archives. Around 2010, Desi Today followed in Surrey, BC, published by Desi Communications Inc. for about a decade.
The term is a Type 5-Frequency Canadianism based on its high usage in Canadian English in comparison to other contexts (see Chart 1).
In 1997, the monthly magazine Desi News was founded in Etobicoke, ON, dealing with matters of "South Asian Canadian & East Indian Canadian" interest in the Greater Toronto Region. It ran until 2018 as a paper copy, according to National Library and Archives. Around 2010, Desi Today followed in Surrey, BC, published by Desi Communications Inc. for about a decade.
The term is a Type 5-Frequency Canadianism based on its high usage in Canadian English in comparison to other contexts (see Chart 1).
Quotations
1997
STANDING PROUD: MEMBERS OF NACHURALLY DESI BHANGRA, A DANCE TEAM, SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN A PERFORMANCE CELEBRATING INDIA YESTERDAY IN NATHAN PHILIPS SQUARE.
2003
What right do Indians have to call me gorafied, when many of them are immersed in African-American culture? How many Canadian-born desis do you see pretending that, well, that they're black? Calling an Indian whitewashed is no different that calling an Indian blackwashed - offensive right?
2008
But if you push past these challenges, you will meet Milada Hidayatullah and the uncle-in-law she falls on -- literally -- injuring his back. An obese Czech woman in America, she marries a desi half her size in the title story, Happiness and Other Disorders.
2011
You will never see a non-desi working in a desi store, or a non-Chinese worker at a Chinese store. Why?
2012
He's also an evangelist for healthy eating, spreading the word about healthy international and South Asian food through cooking classes in his home and on his Facebook page, Desi Guys Should Learn How to Cook.
2016
South Asian community is a very diverse community (DESI) but there are some common elements that all desis share. The numbers of DESI communities have increased dramatically in the last 60 years in some regions of the country where they have become near-majorities but not so much in Windsor-Essex (WE) regions.
2024
[Among the community of disabled Desi people, the assumptions made about both their medical condition and their capabilities are a cause for concern and can prove to be a hurdle when it comes to dating.]
2025
The South Asian community consists of diverse cultures that are unique in their own way of representing the members of their community. Desi Students Association aims to unify all these cultures, create a greater sense of unity within the South Asian community, and educate others about the diversity of South Asia.
4aadj. — Food
relating to butter (desi style, makkhan, ghee).
Type: 1. Origin — Desi [style] butter; otherwise known as makkhan or, more frequently, ghee is a Type 1-Origin Canadianism (see Definition 1a). The attribute for butter is most frequently desi, and sometimes desi style (always as two orthographic words without a hyphen). As such, desi ghee is emblematic of South Asian culture. Desi style butter and desi style makkhan describe the process of making butter as one would in South Asia (see the 2025 quotation).
The term is also a Type 4-Culturally Significant Canadianism due to desi becoming a symbol of South Asian food culture in Canada (see Image 1).
Desi [style] butter or ghee is most commonly associated with the following Canadian-South Asian brands: Kissan (est. in Can in 1980), Brars or Brar's (est. in Can in 1991) and Nanak (est. in Can in 1997) (See Images 2 & 3). The term has gained international currency as desi (style) butter or ghee has entered international food markets (see Chart 2).
The term is also a Type 4-Culturally Significant Canadianism due to desi becoming a symbol of South Asian food culture in Canada (see Image 1).
Desi [style] butter or ghee is most commonly associated with the following Canadian-South Asian brands: Kissan (est. in Can in 1980), Brars or Brar's (est. in Can in 1991) and Nanak (est. in Can in 1997) (See Images 2 & 3). The term has gained international currency as desi (style) butter or ghee has entered international food markets (see Chart 2).
Quotations
2009
For something a little more solid, head toward the fort, keeping an eye out for an alleyway that turns off from the right-hand side of the street - the landmark is a shop advertising "pure desi ghee." Follow the alley through two twists and turns (or just ask anyone) to Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan. This hole-in-the-wall, established in 1872, was a favourite haunt of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and it remains a beacon for lovers of parantha - stuffed flatbread.
2021
Inflation is another factor. Since ancient times, people used to consume a reasonable and healthy diet; fresh vegetables, fruits, desi ghee, fresh milk from a cow- but as far as times have moved in 2020, unhygienic practices and utilization of fried items became fashionable in our culture.
2025
[Desi butter – commonly known as makkhan – is a staple in Indian kitchens that predates modern dairy processing by thousands of years. Made by hand churning fermented curd (dahi) or accumulated cream (malai), this traditional butter carries a distinctive tangy flavour and soft, creamy texture that factory-produced butter simply cannot match.]
4badj. — Agriculture, Food
relating to flour (wheat or durum, for instance).
Type: 5. Frequency — Desi flour or desi style flour is a Type 1-Origin Canadianism (see meaning 1a). Types of flour is most frequently occurring with the term desi style (see Image 3). It is a Canadianism by virtue of its high frequency in the internatinal context (See Chart 3). This meaning may also be a Type 1-Origin Canadianism, given its 2015 attestation.
Desi and desi-style are both used to describe this meaning interchangeably, there does not appear to be any significant difference based on the frequency of the term's use in Canada (see Charts 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Desi [style] flour is so named for its very fine grind, where desi style atta is a coarser grind.
The earliest introduction of durum wheat, which was later used to make desi [style] flour, is attested to 1904 in Canada (see 1904 quotation below). It was not until later that Brar Natural Flour Milling Inc. (est. 1991) began to produce desi [style] flour with it (see 2015 quotation below). The term Sher Desi Style (see Image 3) is trademarked by Brar Natural Flour Milling Inc. of Winnipeg, MB.
Desi and desi-style are both used to describe this meaning interchangeably, there does not appear to be any significant difference based on the frequency of the term's use in Canada (see Charts 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Desi [style] flour is so named for its very fine grind, where desi style atta is a coarser grind.
The earliest introduction of durum wheat, which was later used to make desi [style] flour, is attested to 1904 in Canada (see 1904 quotation below). It was not until later that Brar Natural Flour Milling Inc. (est. 1991) began to produce desi [style] flour with it (see 2015 quotation below). The term Sher Desi Style (see Image 3) is trademarked by Brar Natural Flour Milling Inc. of Winnipeg, MB.
Desi [style] flour is not as common as its ghee related counterpart. The frequency of desi ghee is approximately four times that of desi style flour and flour combined; however, the latter appears to be distinctly Canadian. (See Charts 2 & 3).
Quotations
1904
[Many reasons can be pointed out for expecting a tremendous increase in production, under the stimulus of higher prices. "What do you say to the argument that the United States can quadruple its wheat production through a more intensive cultivation of the acres already under wheat, made possible by the inoculation of the well with nitrogen from the air, and to the discovery of new varieties of Durum wheat for the sub-arid regions?"]
2015
Durum wheat > Atta flour 4 grades: Desi style, White Whole Wheat, Brown Whole Wheat and Parshad/Halwa atta.
2020
We have flour though, and we grow the wheat. You can get white all purpose flour, bleached or unbleached, bread flour, pastry flour, cake flour, whole wheat flour, desi-style “atta” flour, and lots of other kinds of flour. We do not lack for flour around here.
2026
A plethora of different varieties of Atta ranging from Desi Style to Fiber Atta to Whole grain alongside other milling products because health starts in the kitchen
4cadj. — Agriculture, Food
relating to chickpeas.
Type: 5. Frequency — Desi chickpea is a Type 5-Frequency Canadianism (see Chart 7). The term originated as desi channa or native chickpea, and was imported into Canada in the late 90's where they became a staple crop for farmers in Saskatchewan to grow and use as animal feed between 1997 and 2015.
There is a chickpea flour that is made from desi chickpeas (see the 2006 quotation below). This meaning is not related to meaning 4b.
There is a chickpea flour that is made from desi chickpeas (see the 2006 quotation below). This meaning is not related to meaning 4b.
Note that desi chickpea is not Type 1 - Origin because it refers to local South Asian flora and is therefore South Asian in its origin and usage.
Quotations
1997
The company plans to de-hull and split brown desi chickpeas to produce a food product called chana dhal, popular in India and Pakistan.
1999
"Depending on the frost damage, they can go for human consumption or livestock feed," Risula said. "The price parameter (difference) hasn't been set yet because of that."Assiniboia extension agrologist Gary Noble said frost damaged chickpeas in the South Country too."Still, I'm hearing some good yields up to 30 bushels an acre on Desis and on Kabulis," Noble said.Prices range from $9.90 a bushel for Desi varieties to $20-$30 a bushel for various sizes of Kabuli.
2001
On kabuli chickpeas, prices of about 28 cents a pound can be locked in for fall delivery on the nine millimetre size. That's well under current price levels, but it's still a very profitable price. Desi chickpeas carry a much lower price, but they are higher yielding and less expensive to grow.
2006
India is importing more pulse crops. That's one of the main reasons for a huge rally in desi chickpeas and small calibre kabuli chickpeas. Those commodities are nearing record highs.While Saskatchewan's chickpea acreage is relatively small, demand from India has spilled over into yellow field peas, a crop in which Saskatchewan acreage is in the millions.
2006
Chick peas are also used as a vegetable; the kabuli type is used mainly in salads and vegetable mixes, while the desi type may be milled into flour.
2009
Chickpeas are also used mainly for human consumption. The desi type seed can be used whole, split, or milled.
2015
The best soil temperatures for quick emergence of most crops are in the range of 10 C to 20 C. However, germination will occur at lower temperatures. Cereal crops such as wheat and barley are quite cold tolerant and can germinate in soils as low as 4 C to 5 C. Other crops such as peas, lentils, flax, canola and Desi chickpeas are similar.
4dadj. — Food & drink
relating to foods other than meanings 3a-3c.
Type: 1. Origin — Desi is a Type 1-Origin Canadianism (see Definition 1a). The term appears to have entered in to CanE recently, seeing a large representation in the Ontario food and restaurants sector.
The term is now emblematic to South Asian food culture, and is frequently used in Canada as a denotation of South Asian fusion restaurants, South Asian street food, and 'homestyle' or cultural foods associated with different South Asian countries (see meanings 2a & 5).
The term is now emblematic to South Asian food culture, and is frequently used in Canada as a denotation of South Asian fusion restaurants, South Asian street food, and 'homestyle' or cultural foods associated with different South Asian countries (see meanings 2a & 5).
Quotations
2024
We have been exploring the theme: “How does culture show up in the everyday?” and were recently inspired by a news article on “Indian Style Pizza”. We blended our love of home-cooking and pizza in the form of comforting flavours such as green chilies, cilantro, ginger and garlic which are signature flavours of Desi style pizzas.
2026
Desi Burger started 30 years ago when my parents decided the world needed more spice—and fewer boring burgers. Armed with secret recipes, a grill, and pure Desi determination, they built a little burger joint that quickly became the neighborhood’s worst-kept secret.
2026
However, there is a silent partner in this culinary dance that often goes unsung: the Desi soda. In the streets of Delhi and across the vibrant neighbourhoods of India, a meal is never truly complete without the sharp, effervescent “pop” of a glass bottle and the cooling relief of a spiced carbonated beverage.
2026
Craving some maize flour flatbread (makki ki roti) or maybe a fresh desi roti phulka? Prepare your own desi flatbreads at home by ordering any ordinary or special flour from Tezmart. We have got different kinds of flours available online and at the store. Do check out our range of flours and order now!
5adj. — Arts and culture, Ethnicities, Canadian mosaic, Food & drink, Urban culture
a symbol for Southeast Asians in Canada and beyond.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — The term Desi is a Type 4-Culturally Significant Canadianism (see Image 6). The term, surfacing in 1880s Britain as a colonial demonym (OED, s.v. "desi", def. 1.a), has since become emblematic of anything related to South Asian culture, foods, clothing, arts and heritage. The term is also a Type 1-Origin Canadianism.
Quotations
1998
I would like to point out that not all of us subscribed to a "feeling" of South Asian-ness -- a "desi feeling" -- however, all of us were caught up in the politics of identity --or identifying as South Asian.
2009
For something a little more solid, head toward the fort, keeping an eye out for an alleyway that turns off from the right-hand side of the street - the landmark is a shop advertising "pure desi ghee." Follow the alley through two twists and turns (or just ask anyone) to Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan. This hole-in-the-wall, established in 1872, was a favourite haunt of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and it remains a beacon for lovers of parantha - stuffed flatbread.
2011
In Victoria, Seana Hegney, who launched her once-a-week Rustic Tiffin service last spring, departs from Indian food altogether, delivering bistro cuisine, such as bison wild mushroom ragu and roasted root vegetables, to clients for $12 a meal. In true West-coast style, she transports them in a cedar box for insulation. And although they're not approved by public health authorities, dozens of unlicensed home cooks offer tiffin delivery services on online classifieds sites, such as Canadian Desi.
2012
The family considers itself fortunate to not have a food budget. Geetha shops mainly at NoFrills and Loblaws. For Indian groceries, she favours Poombugaar supermarket in Glo-Har Plaza on Birchmount Rd. For convenience, she buys chapatis (flatbread) at Suraj Desi Kitchen.
2012
While there will be a sari-tying contest and Punjabi beats and Desi hip hop, there will be no curry or paneer. And there will be salsa lessons after 9.
2021
Before COVID-19 hit, Usha Ramasubram, a senior financial adviser, asked her social-media network whether anyone would be interested in a catered thali service she called Ur Desi Delicacy - similar to tiffin, thali refers to an Indian meal made up of various dishes, usually served on a platter.
2025
The South Asian community consists of diverse cultures that are unique in their own way of representing the members of their community. Desi Students Association aims to unify all these cultures, create a greater sense of unity within the South Asian community, and educate others about the diversity of South Asia.
2025
In May 2025, the National Arts Centre hosted Desi Dhamaka, our first large-scale community activation with Ottawa’s South Asian community. What began as a connection to English Theatre’s Mahabharata evolved into a vibrant celebration of culture, belonging, and exchange.
6n. and adj. — Derogatory
a derogatory term used to disparage a person(s) of South Asian descent.
Quotations
References
Images
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search 3 Jun. 2026
Chart 2: Internet Domain Search 2 Jun.2026
Chart 3: Internet Domain Search 16 Jun. 2026
Chart 4: Internet Domain Search 16 Jun. 2026
Chart 5: Internet Domain Search 16 Jun. 2026
Chart 6: Internet Domain Search 16 Jun. 2026
Chart 7: Internet Domain Search 1 Jun.2026
Image 1: (Source: https://www.brars.com/about)
Image 2: (Source: https://nanakfoods.com/our-story)
Image 3: (Photo: M.Clark. 13 Jun. 2026)
Image 4: (Source: https://spicedivine.ca/search?q=desi)
Image 5: (Source: https://www.kissan.ca/products/kissan-desi-ghee)
Image 6: (Source: https://www.zabihah.com/restaurants/ca8b8415-7767-11ef-95ae-6045bdeb9f57/desi-burger-toronto-on)
