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

So it was," responded the paymaster, "and in order to carry it out, I became, from that moment, an Indian of the Indians, a redskin of the redskins, and a savage of the savages.

From At War with Pontiac The Totem of the Bear by Munroe, Kirk

It was in that direction that the camp of the hunters lay, and thither the footsteps of pale face and redskin were directed.

From The Hunters of the Ozark by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

Instantly Deerfoot laid down his paddle, and, catching up the gun, pointed it at the redskin.

From The Lost Trail by Ellis, Edward Sylvester

In Canada we see that the white man thus made his bow to the redskin as a brother in the truest sense.

From On Canada's Frontier Sketches of History, Sport, and Adventure and of the Indians, Missionaries, Fur-traders, and Newer Settlers of Western Canada by Ralph, Julian