Indian giver

American  

noun

Informal: Often Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a person who gives a gift and then takes it back.

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Indian giver British  

noun

1. offensive a person who asks for the return of a present he has given

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Indian giver Idioms  

1. One who takes or demands back one's gift to another, as in Jimmy wanted to take back Dan's birthday present, but Mom said that would make him an Indian giver. This term, now considered offensive, originally alluded to the Native American practice of expecting a gift in return for one that is given. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

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Sensitive Note

The term Indian giver is now perceived as insulting to American Indians. While it originally referred to a Native practice of giving a gift and expecting an equivalent gift in return, the dissociation of the expression from any authentic custom and its subsequent association with the dishonorable or deceptive behavior of others is disrespectful to Native American peoples and their cultures. See also Indian.

Other Word Forms

• Indian giving noun

Etymology

Origin of Indian giver

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

"Take your scarf pin, Indian giver," jeered Hippy, holding out a small package, then jerking it back again.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember, when a child, that when one gave his brother a ball, or anything, and took it back again, he was called "an Indian giver."

From Project Gutenberg