chokra

chokra

A young chokra serves tea to guests in the drawing room.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • In Indian English and Anglo-Indian usage, "chokra" refers to a boy or a young male servant, often employed in domestic or menial work.
    • The term can also denote a young male employee or assistant in a household or business context.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The sahib called for the chokra to bring his tea. (The master called for the young servant to bring his tea.)
    • During the colonial period, many British families employed a chokra to help with household chores. (A young male assistant was hired for domestic tasks.)
Advanced Usage

  • Historical context: "Chokra" was commonly used in British India and colonial settings, often carrying a patronizing or hierarchical tone, implying a young, low-status worker.

    • The memsahib scolded the chokra for breaking the vase. (The mistress reprimanded the young servant for the accident.)

  • Modern usage: In contemporary South Asian English, "chokra" may be used informally to refer to a boy or young man, sometimes with affectionate or derogatory undertones depending on context.

    • That chokra is always causing trouble in the neighborhood. (That boy is always causing trouble.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Chokri (noun): the feminine equivalent, meaning a girl or young female servant.

    • The chokri helped with the laundry. (The young female servant assisted with washing clothes.)

  • Chokra-log (noun, collective): a group of young servants or boys.

    • The chokra-log were playing in the yard. (The group of young servants were playing in the yard.)
Synonyms
  • Boy: a young male person.
  • Servant: a person employed to perform domestic duties.
  • Lad: a young man or boy (informal).
  • Assistant: a helper or subordinate.
Related Idioms
  • "Chokra's work": menial or low-status tasks, often used dismissively.
    • He was given only chokra's work, like sweeping the floors. (He was assigned only trivial, low-status duties.)
Cultural Note
  • The word "chokra" originates from Hindi/Urdu (छोकरा), meaning "boy" or "lad." It entered English through colonial interactions and is now considered somewhat archaic or regionally specific, primarily used in historical texts or South Asian English dialects.