Injun

[ in-juhn ]

noun

, Older Use: Often Offensive.

1. American Indian; Native American.

Injun

/ ˈɪndʒən /

noun

1. See Indian
   an informal or dialect word for (American) Indian
2. honest Injun slang.
   honest Injun interjection genuinely; really

Sensitive Note

Injun is an informal, nonstandard spelling of Indian. This pronunciation and variant spelling are associated with inauthentic, white representations of Native cultures and speakers. Now considered dated and often offensive, this variant form of Indian is best avoided, except when used to comment on inauthenticity of representation, as in the “Hollywood Injun English” dialogue written for Native characters in older Westerns. honest Injun.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Injun¹

First recorded in 1660–70 as ingins (plural); pronunciation spelling of Indian, with assibilated d; Cajun

Example Sentences

"I've brought ye thet Injun I wuz tellin' ye uv," she said, with a wave of her hand toward Alessandro.

From Project Gutenberg

But ef Jos keeps on, airnin' ez much ez he hez so fur, he's goin' ter pay the Injun part on 't, when he cums.

From Project Gutenberg

So whilst we was eatin' breakfast I begins t' quiz, an', one way an' another, lets on I wanted t' see that Injun scout.

From Project Gutenberg

Mebby I'll perch on top o' the court-house, too, fer a spell, an' take a leetle fly out by the Injun school.

From Project Gutenberg

What's more, I s'pose he can't even see them Injun pony tracks around the body.

From Project Gutenberg