Controversy of the word "desi"

In an Indonesian-Indian mixed marriage group in facebook, there was a member, an Indonesian wife of Indian husband living in India, who complained to admin not to use the word "desi" combined with word 'husband' or 'wife' because it can hurt the feeling of Indian husband and also the wife of Indian origin, including herself. Obviously the admin was getting confuse why not to use the word "desi" because admin (and most of the rest members, including me) thought that the word "desi" is a common word which refers to 'India'.

So I asked my sister in law whether the word "desi" can be sensitive in its usage or not. She replied me this way:

"Desi means something that is local or home made. It is a good term as far as the usable things or commodities are concerned.

As far the relationships between two people are concerned it is not a very respectable word to be used, it means not respecting your partner and treating him or her as not important, not giving him or her the real position which he or she deserves.

Whether it is a local marriage or between two states or two countries this term should not be used at all as far as the marriages are concerned."

Haan now I understand :) In a culture of certain place or country, sometimes there are certain things that we know the meaning in general only. And we don't realize that there are certain limitation in its usage. Just like the word "desi", its meaning can be so sensitive if it is applied together with word 'husband' or 'wife'.

As an example to understand, supposing we go to the market and want to buy a pair of shoes. Instead of asking about the price, we also ask about its quality and originality. Is it original or not? If these shoes are not original alias home made one, the trader in Indian market use to say this: yeh desi hai. It means that these shoes are home made, not original.

That is why the word "desi" sometimes is not considered of a very good quality. so if it is applied in relationship by saying "desi wife" or desi husband", the meaning is not good. Not a very respectable in term of marriage relationship. So friends, don't say "desi husband" to your lovely husband hehehe :D because they deserve the best call and treat from their wife... :)