Half-caste

Half-caste is a term used for individuals of multiracial descent.^[1] It is derived from the term caste, which comes from the Latin castus, meaning pure, and the derivative Portuguese and Spanish word casta, meaning race. Terms such as half-caste, caste, quarter-caste and mix-breed were used by colonial officials in the British Empire during their classification of indigenous populations, and in Australia used during the Australian government's pursuit of a policy of assimilation.^[2] In Latin America, the equivalent term for half-castes was Cholo and Zambo.^[3] Some people now consider the term offensive.