A slang term used to refer to the British Isles. It originates from the Hindi word of vilayati (which means British), which itself has roots in the Arabic word wilayah. British soldiers stationed in India adopted the word and modified it slightly to conform to English language conventions.

The word tends to be used by expatriates and is meant as an endearing and sentimental reference to their homeland. It's peak usage was during World War 1 when soldiers wished for nothing more than to return home.