"Coolies" is a term historically used to refer to unskilled laborers, particularly those from Asia, who were employed in various manual jobs during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term often described workers from countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia who migrated to different parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Africa, and North America, to work on plantations, railroads, and in mines. The use of the term "coolie" has evolved over time and can carry negative connotations, as it has been associated with exploitation and discrimination. Today, it is important to recognize the historical context and the contributions of these laborers while being sensitive to the language used to describe them.