Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

half-caste

Noun

/ˈhæf.kæst/

Definition

A person of mixed racial or ethnic ancestry, often used in contexts referring to those with one parent from a particular racial group and another from a different racial group.

Examples

The term ‘half-caste’ has a complex history and may be viewed differently depending on cultural context.
In some societies, people identify as half-caste due to their mixed heritage.
She explained that she prefers not to use the term half-caste, choosing instead to identify as biracial.

Meaning

The term ‘half-caste’ is historically used to describe individuals who have parents from different racial backgrounds. However, it is considered an offensive term in contemporary usage, as it can imply a hierarchy of races and perpetuate division.