American Born Confused Desi
A derogatory term used for Indians who have grown up in the United States and who act "American" (as stupid as that sounds).
A derogatory term used for Indians who have grown up in the United States and who act "American" (as stupid as that sounds).
by Superxam August 8, 2003
(American Born Confused Desi) Term used to describe those of the Indian (South East Asian) descent who are unaware of or are unwilling to outwardly project their Indian Heritage. The title is typically used by those of the same nationality but who are unwilling or unable to assimilate to a culture other than their own.
While it is thought to be negative to be considered a ABCD, the term seems to do more damage to the culture it is meant to protect. Instead of dealing with real personality traits such as hard-working, intelligent, or family-oriented, the term ABCD focuses on the trivial aspects of one's ethnicity. i.e. Music, Film, Dress.
OPINION- I'm certain if anyone, U.S. or abroad, were asked to describe the joys and hardships that come with being Indian, that he or she would not reach for movie stubs or cds. It seems so unfortunate that a nation, where so many struggle to succeed by any means, would create it's own special way to bring it's people down.
While it is thought to be negative to be considered a ABCD, the term seems to do more damage to the culture it is meant to protect. Instead of dealing with real personality traits such as hard-working, intelligent, or family-oriented, the term ABCD focuses on the trivial aspects of one's ethnicity. i.e. Music, Film, Dress.
OPINION- I'm certain if anyone, U.S. or abroad, were asked to describe the joys and hardships that come with being Indian, that he or she would not reach for movie stubs or cds. It seems so unfortunate that a nation, where so many struggle to succeed by any means, would create it's own special way to bring it's people down.
by NotConfused September 24, 2007
American Born Confused Desi (ABCD) is an offensive ethnic slur that refers to people of Desi origin (of South Asian, especially Indian, descent), raised in the United States. Its use by other races, recent Indian immigrants in particular for coming up with the term is regarded as offensive. It is a close relative of the term Jook-sing or "A.B.C." for American-born Chinese. The ethnic slur was developed out of immigrant/non-immigrant hostility.
"Confused" refers to a hypothetical confusion regarding identity, having been born in America or lived there since childhood and been closer to American culture than their ancestor's native culture. The notion of this identity crises comes from differences in accent, dress, and etiquette between recent immigrants and American Born Indians.
Most modern day "American Born" Indians have very strong ties to India. They frequently visit friends and family in their ancestor's native land. They typically cherish their Indian heritage, and observe both American and Indian cultural traditions. The typical American Born Indian is fluent in speaking an Indian language in addition to English, and understands both the American cultural value system and the Indian cultural value system. Most integrate into American society easier than recent Indian immigrants.
This idea of the hypothetical confused identity is not unique to Indian Americans alone - Hostility toward British Asians (the term used for Indians and other South Asians raised and living in Britain) have dawned similar ideas of struggles.
"Confused" refers to a hypothetical confusion regarding identity, having been born in America or lived there since childhood and been closer to American culture than their ancestor's native culture. The notion of this identity crises comes from differences in accent, dress, and etiquette between recent immigrants and American Born Indians.
Most modern day "American Born" Indians have very strong ties to India. They frequently visit friends and family in their ancestor's native land. They typically cherish their Indian heritage, and observe both American and Indian cultural traditions. The typical American Born Indian is fluent in speaking an Indian language in addition to English, and understands both the American cultural value system and the Indian cultural value system. Most integrate into American society easier than recent Indian immigrants.
This idea of the hypothetical confused identity is not unique to Indian Americans alone - Hostility toward British Asians (the term used for Indians and other South Asians raised and living in Britain) have dawned similar ideas of struggles.
by One of your so called "ABCD" September 10, 2006
A derogatory term used for Indians, Pakistanis, Bengladeshis (South Asians) who have grown up in the United States and who act "American" (as stupid as that sounds).
See also desi
See also desi
Salim's kids are SOOOO ABCD they can barely speak Punjabi and think Pasta is the best thing that god gave man since sliced bread.
by Ayaz January 28, 2005
"American Born Confused Desi," most commonly used to describe Americanized Indian kids. While many are not necessarily born in america, they have very similar characteristics and often have hard times finding a sense of identity among non-abcds and peers in america.
Abcd's generally have a heightened sense of love and pride towards america compared to other white people because of their general animosity towards their homeland. This is often shown when arguments rise between Abcds and non-Abcds when comparing education systems, cultural differences, and other aspects of life between America and India. Common arguments from Abcds include the level of conservatism in their homeland like arranged marriages and the caste system (even though, in a sense, they have equal intolerance for non-Abcds).
An identity crisis ensues when Abcds hang out with non-Abcds. when with white peers, they take pride in being an Abcd. They have a self-conceived sense of maturity and intellect and often spend less money on stuff like food. Conversely, when with Indian peers, they tend to act overly wild and carefree and tend to spend more money in order prove their "american-ness".
This "lack" of identity causes mass confusion among Abcds when preferring a lifestyle mixed from cultures that are polar opposites. for example, many prefer the larger and closer familial ties inside Indian families but also hate the lack of privacy. This leads them to almost always hang out with other Abcds and Abcs.
Abcd's generally have a heightened sense of love and pride towards america compared to other white people because of their general animosity towards their homeland. This is often shown when arguments rise between Abcds and non-Abcds when comparing education systems, cultural differences, and other aspects of life between America and India. Common arguments from Abcds include the level of conservatism in their homeland like arranged marriages and the caste system (even though, in a sense, they have equal intolerance for non-Abcds).
An identity crisis ensues when Abcds hang out with non-Abcds. when with white peers, they take pride in being an Abcd. They have a self-conceived sense of maturity and intellect and often spend less money on stuff like food. Conversely, when with Indian peers, they tend to act overly wild and carefree and tend to spend more money in order prove their "american-ness".
This "lack" of identity causes mass confusion among Abcds when preferring a lifestyle mixed from cultures that are polar opposites. for example, many prefer the larger and closer familial ties inside Indian families but also hate the lack of privacy. This leads them to almost always hang out with other Abcds and Abcs.
look at raj... such an abcd, always drinking and spending sooo much money on american food and clothing
by A True ABCD July 9, 2011
American Born Confused Desi. ABCDs are Americans of Indian ancestry who generally travel in packs. They can be seen in the pre-med classes of college campuses across the country. They're generally from the suburbs, listen to rap music, and get drunk every weekend while their parents think that they are little angels who don't know a thing about sex or drugs. Although ABCDs never hang out with non-Indians, they usually abhor their ancestral culture and refuse to watch Indian movies, listen to Indian music, speak in Indian languages, or eat Indian food. ABCD guys are the Indian equivalent of wiggers while the girls are stuck-up spoiled brats who don't know how to drive. Despite usually being cheap, ABCDs are willing to spend lots of money on cover charges and alcohol.
Sumeet from Sagedale is the ultimate ABCD; he's pre-med, drinks obnoxious amounts of alcohol, is always late, and only associates with other ABCDs.
by Uniballer June 25, 2006
Asian Babe/Caucasian Dork. The oft seen pairing of a typically short and passive asian woman with an unusually lanky, unattractive, dorky white male.
See Rice King.
See Rice King.
by AGP December 9, 2004