oriental

Oriental cats share many of the typical characteristics of Siamese, in that they are elegant, streamlined, companionable, have loud voices, and don't like the cold much. They mostly like company and hang around in packs (none of this Cat who Walks by himself nonsense). Despite their elegant appearance they have a certain reputation for clumsiness.

Although it literally means "from the East" as Webster 1913 so helpfully pointed out, it is generally not a good idea to refer to people in this manner. Because it conjures up bad memories of times past, it is generally considered rude to refer to a Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, or otherwise East Asian person by the term "oriental."

Referring to rugs or other inanimate objects using this adjective is still considered perfectly Kosher.

O`ri*en"tal (?), a. [L. orientalis: cf. F. oriental.]

Of or pertaining to the orient or east; eastern; concerned with the East or Orientalism; -- opposed to occidental; as, Oriental countries.

The sun's ascendant and oriental radiations. Sir T. Browne.

© Webster 1913.

O`ri*en"tal, n.

1.

A native or inhabitant of the Orient or some Eastern part of the world; an Asiatic.

2. pl. Eccl.

Eastern Christians of the Greek rite.

© Webster 1913.