afghani

American  

[af-gan-ee, -gah-nee] / æfˈgæn i, -ˈgɑ ni /

noun

1. a coin and monetary unit of Afghanistan, equal to 100 puls. Agh.

2. Literary. Afghani. Pashto.

3. Sometimes Offensive. Afghani. Afghan.

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Afghani ¹ British  

/ æfˈɡɑːnɪ /

noun

1. Jamal ad-Din al-. 1839–97, Iranian Muslim religious and political reformer; a proponent of Muslim unity, he resisted European interference in Muslim countries

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afghani ² British  

/ æfˈɡɑːnɪ /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of Afghanistan, divided into 100 puli

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Usage

Afghan is the proper term for a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan. The use of Afghani in this meaning is considered to be incorrect and is sometimes perceived as offensive. The -i in Afghani is a suffix used in the names of certain peoples in southwest and central Asia: for example, an Israeli lives in Israel; a Pakistani lives in Pakistan. However, the bordering countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan have a history of strained diplomatic relations. Therefore, objection to the use of Afghani (to refer to a person) may be explained by the word’s similarity to Pakistani, and to Paki, a synonymous but highly offensive term.

Etymology

Origin of afghani

First recorded in 1820–30; Afghan ( def. ) + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Example Sentences

"They demanded thousands of afghanis from every household," she says.

From BBC

At the raucous Shahzada Market in Kabul, hundreds of money exchangers clutch stacks of the local currency, the afghani, and noisily hawk their wares.

From Seattle Times

The World Bank said last month that the local currency, the afghani, gained value against major currencies.

From Seattle Times

The price, at 200 afghanis — more than $2 — a pop, isn’t cheap these days, but it’s worth it, customers say.

From Los Angeles Times

“Out of every 10,000 afghani bills here, maybe 1,000 of those bills are still OK to use,” he said, pointing to a 100-afghani note faded to the point that one side seemed plain.

From Los Angeles Times