South Asian

A term used to denote people of South Asian ethnic origin. Such people usually have similar facial structure to Caucasians, and can have skin tone anywhere between the paleness of Caucasian people to the darkness of black people.
Regions in which the majority of the population are ethnically South Asian include India, eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Guyana, Suriname, the United Arab Emirates and Trinidad.
In the UK, South Asians are often referred to simply as "Asians". Canadians of South Asian origin are often referred to as "Indo-Canadians". Historically, South Asians were referred to as "East Indians", but this is rarely used nowadays. Another common term used in North America to refer to South Asians is "Desi". The most common racial slur applied to South Asians in the UK is "Paki", although this slur is not restricted to South Asians, and can also be used to refer to people of Middle Eastern descent.
"It's so shit that since 9/11, loads of ignorant fucks in Europe and North America think that all South Asians are terrorists!"

"An example of how white people think all South Asians are the same, is that the majority of so-called "Indian" restaurants in the UK are run by people of Bangladeshi origin."
by HallOfMirrors June 06, 2009
mugGet the South Asianmug.

East Asian

A term used to denote people of East Asian ethnic origin. Such people are characterized by their distinctive facial shape, including epicanthal folds (which cause eyes to appear narrower).
Other terms that refer to this ethnic group include Mongoloid and Oriental, although both these terms are controversial, with many deeming them racist. The most common racial slur applied to East Asians is "chink" or "chinky".
Regions in which the majority of the population are ethnically East Asian include China, Japan, the Koreas, Central Asia, Nepal, Bhutan, Taiwan, Hawai'i and Southeast Asia (although some claim that Southeast Asians are ethnically distinct from East Asians, common usage does not reflect this).
The term "East Asian" is widely used in the UK in contrast with "South Asians". In the USA East Asians are usually referred to simply as "Asians", while in Canada they are often referred to as "Orientals".
"It's so annoying how everyone assumes all East Asians know how to use chopsticks!"
by HallOfMirrors June 06, 2009
mugGet the East Asianmug.