In the Indian subcontinent, a kothi is a term for a man or boy who takes on an "effeminate" role in same-sex relationships, often with a desire to be the receptive partner in sexual intercourse.
The original meaning was intended as a slur, similar to "fag" or "sissy.
"[2][page needed] Local equivalents include durani (Kolkata), menaka (Cochin), meti (Nepal), and zenana (Pakistan).
[citation needed] The male partners who perform the penetrative acts are known as panthi.
They are similar to the hijra in that they may take a same-sex lover for a period of time, and they may perform sexual favors for men through prostitution.