redskin

American  

[red-skin] / ˈrɛdˌskɪn /

noun

Older Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a North American Indian.

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redskin British  

/ ˈrɛdˌskɪn /

noun

1. an old-fashioned informal name, now considered taboo, for a Native American

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Sensitive Note

The date and origin of this term is in dispute. Evidence seems to show that in the 1760s, French colonists in the Mississippi Valley translated a Native American spoken term into the French language as peau rouge , which was then translated into English as redskin. Through the early part of the 19th century, American Indians continued to use their Native word self-referentially, and it was translated into spoken and written English as redskin with no derogatory connotations, even as a term of respect. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, within the historical context of white-Indian hostilities, use of the term redskin was associated with attitudes of contempt and condescension. By the 1960s, redskin had declined in use and is now understood to be offensive.

Usage

Why is redskin trending? On July 3, 2020, searches for redskin increased 3,047% compared to the previous week after calls mounted for the Washington Redskins football team to change its name.

Etymology

Origin of redskin

?1760–70; red ¹ + skin; probably loan translation of French peau rouge , itself translated from an American Indian term

Example Sentences

Sample Clubhouse Orders I'll have two fried eggs with applewood smoked bacon and rosemary redskin potatoes.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 16, 2013

But he quickly settled back again, and, with an interest which it would be hard to describe, watched every movement of the redskin, as the tiger watches the approach of its victim.

From The Cave in the Mountain A Sequel to In the Pecos Country / by Lieut. R. H. Jayne by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

Bidding Jean go on to the Habitation with the Indians, he took the rest of us ashore with one redskin as guide, to spy out the cause of the firing.

From Heralds of Empire Being the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur Trade by Laut, Agnes C. (Agnes Christina)

"Will she," continued the redskin, "give a share of her milk to a little daughter, who must else die of hunger?"

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 59, No. 367, May 1846 by Various

Ben did as desired; and the two were soon side by side at the spring, in the outlet of which they made their ablutions—the redskin being totally without paint.

From Oak Openings by Cooper, James Fenimore