Geda (masculine) or Gedi (feminine) is an anti-Muslim slur in Assamese, a language spoken in India’s northeastern state of Assam. The term is derived from the Assamese word Ged (গেদ), which refers to sediment or scum in liquid. These terms are now used almost exclusively to target Muslims in Assam, particularly those of Bengali origin, reducing their identity to that of perceived religious and ethnic outsiders.
Background and Context
The slur has been weaponized to shame and intimidate Muslims of Bengali origin in Assam, emerging as a substitute for the term Miya, which similarly acquired derogatory connotations in public discourse.
Impact and Harm
The slur brands Muslims as perpetual outsiders and undocumented migrants, implicitly denying them full citizenship and belonging. Such usage encourages social ostracism and legitimizes discriminatory policies targeting religious minorities. The term fuels a political environment in which Muslims are rendered vulnerable to physical violence.
Variants and Alternative Forms
গেদা গেদী
Online Usage
