Hear hear.With respect, "half-caste" was possibly THE most commonly used term to describe a mixed race person until very recently. Particularly older generations can be forgiven for thinking it is still acceptable - especially considering most people won't know (without a quick googling) why exactly it is now regarded as offensive.
The best thing you can do when someone uses this term is to politely inform them that it is unacceptable, rather than suggesting they are racist. When they ask "why's that then?", simply explain how "caste" comes from the Latin 'castus' meaning 'pure' and there are historic implications that it is the 'white race' that is being described as pure with its usage, consequently suggesting that the 'black race' is somehow impure.
It is of course an unacceptable term, but let's not get on our high horses branding people racists. It is difficult to keep up with what's offensive and what's not these days.
No it didn't - it was around in common parlance (and generally thought to be OK) a lot later. About fifteen/twenty years I reckon.I think the term "half caste" went out of use around the same time as Guy Gibson's dog (not before time).