Mary, noun
offensive
1. [see quotation 1973.] A demeaning generic name given to a woman of Indian descent.
1927 R. Johnston in Outspan 15 Apr. 37To me there is always something fascinating in this part of Durban. On a Saturday morning I go for a walk along its garbage-littered streets where ‘Marys’ and ‘Sammies’ are feverishly chaffering for vegetables.
1973 Cape Herald 22 Sept. B2Because ‘Mariamma’ was a common name among Indian women and ‘Munsamy’ among the men, we were referred to as ‘Marys and Sammies’. This was considered to be insulting.
2. ?transferred sense. A demeaning generic name given to a Black woman (especially a domestic worker).
- Note:
- In Australian English, ‘Mary’ is an offensive name for an aboriginal woman.
1952 H. Klein Land of Silver Mist 58I went with Radebe to the Inchcape Hall, the Bantu night club. We saw ‘Jim’ and ‘Mary’ of everyday life in evening dress on the ballroom floor.
1986 S. Sepamla in S. Ndaba One Day in June 23Thixo! we want to rejoice Celebrating the birth of a new age...No more Sixpence, John is neither here nor there, Mary lives no more for tea only!
A demeaning generic name given to a woman of Indian descent.
?transferred sense.A demeaning generic name given to a Black woman (especially a domestic worker).
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