Concept in Definition ABC

This term has several meanings. On the one hand, it refers to indian soldiers that in the 18th and 19th centuries they were under the command of other foreign armies, especially Great Britain and France. On the other hand, a sepoy is a henchman who works for someone's pay. Finally, it is synonym of traitor to the fatherland. As for his etymology, there are two versions: from the Persian sipahi or from the Turkish spahi. In any case, this word came to our language through Portuguese, specifically the word "sipaio".

In the history of India

When the British occupied the territory From India in the eighteenth century, a part of the army consisted of Hindu soldiers. These soldiers were known as sepoys. Although they starred in some isolated episodes of rebellion against the colonizers, their behavior was considered unpatriotic by the population from India.

In the context of Basque separatism

The term sepoy is used to designate individuals who serve the interests of the people who submit to them. For this

reasonSome separatist Basques call sepoys to anyone who defends the interests of Spain and, therefore, to call someone a sepoy is a serious insult, since it amounts to a traitor to the homeland.

The policeman Basque autonomous community or some Basque figures who have represented Spain have received this disqualification (for For example, Admiral Blas de Lezo is a hero of the Spanish Armada but a sepoy for some nationalists Basques). The use of this word in Basque society is quite controversial and is a clear example of social division (Some feel only Basque and not Spanish and others consider that it is compatible to be Basque and Spanish at the same time time).

In Argentine political terminology

In Argentina there is a deeply rooted national sentiment. In this sense, when it is considered that an individual does not defend the nation but works for foreign interests, he can be insulted with the word sepoy. Thus, a sepoy is an imperialist, a "sell-out," a traitor, and a "surrender."

Among Argentine Peronists this term continues to be used to disqualify anyone who does not demonstrate a true love to the homeland. Thus, the anti-Peronists received this qualifier as an insult (in the languagecolloquial Argentine sepoy and gorilla are synonymous terms that are used as a throwing weapon by the Peronist sectors).

Photos: Fotolia - blueringmedia / Igor Zakowski

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