From wiki:
The term comes from Sanskrit देश deśa- ("region, province, country"). Its first usage is found in Natya Shastra, where it defines the regional varieties of folk dance and music, as opposed to the pan-Indian margi (classical).....
.....Communities that have remained distinct in South Asia have tended to mix in diaspora. Some second or third generation immigrants, but not all, do not think of themselves as belonging to a particular nation, sub-culture, or caste, but as just plain South Asians or Desis. Some Desis are creating what can be called a "fusion" culture, in which foods, fashions, music, and the like from many areas of South Asia are "fused" with elements from Western culture.[1] For example, urban desi is a new genre of music formed by the fusion of traditional Indian and Western urban music.[2]
and also.....
In the U.S. and U.K., "Desi food" most often refers to dishes commonly served in the South Asian communities of the diaspora, especially westernised restaurant dishes such as chicken tikka masala.[3]
It may also mean "native" or "traditional." Common examples are "desi ghee," which is the traditional clarified butter of the Indian subcontinent, as opposed to more processed fats such as vegetable oils. "Desi chicken" may mean a native breed of chicken. Heritage varieties of vegetables and other produce can also be qualified as "desi."
"Desi diet" refers to a diet and food choices followed by the typical Indian around the world.
I love how global Indian identity is intertwined with the food and cuisine (just like Italian and Chinese diaspora)
![grin12](https://www.councilofexmuslims.com/Smileys/custom/grin12.gif)
I thought it just referred to subcontinental Muslims when stardust used the term earlier saying "desi" weddings are boring. I found them to be a blast at least the Sikh one I attended.
Learn a new word every day and you'll be OK
![Afro](https://www.councilofexmuslims.com/Smileys/custom/afro.gif)