The Wikipedia definition seems to indicate it has origins as a racist term and I’ve never understood why unix users have adopted this terms instead of something benign like “themes” or “theming” which I remember being in use long before I ever heard “rice”. So what gives? Why use “rice” instead of “theme”?
Yes, it is a derogatory term from car modification. Taking away the context doesn’t make it any less racist.
How doesn’t it? I would argue most people who use the term ‘rice’ aren’t even aware of its origins.