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That phrase originated out of the propensity of the white man to "give" to the native, as in signing of treaties etc., and then "take" back from the native, as in reneging on the deals. As such; it's a slang derivative derogatory to the white man. NOT the other way around.
I knew as long ago as the 1970s that the term was offensive. Where have the rest of you been?
I never heard it referred to whites who took back what they gave to Indians. Instead it stemmed from some tribes' practice of expecting a gift whenever they gave one, which contrasts with the English notion of a gift being given with no "strings attached."
In time, the term became a negative slur to mean someone who gives something, but it's not truly given because they may ask for it back later. Kind of synonymous with dishonest or conniving.
I agree that use of it is like using "to Jew one down."
And to claim that we've never had "Indian troubles" for 150 years is ignorant of the Native American activist movement of the 1960s and 1970s or Wounded Knee in 1973.
And to claim that we've never had "Indian troubles" for 150 years is ignorant of the Native American activist movement of the 1960s and 1970s or Wounded Knee in 1973.
I said that term was coined 150 years ago and has been used up until recently with no "I'm offended" coming from the Indian groups.
That phrase originated out of the propensity of the white man to "give" to the native, as in signing of treaties etc., and then "take" back from the native, as in reneging on the deals. As such; it's a slang derivative derogatory to the white man. NOT the other way around.
That is not correct. The phrase originated in the 1860s as a reference to the practice of reciprocal giving among Native Americans.
"Indian giver. When an Indian gives any thing, he expects to receive an equivalent, or to have his gift returned." See page 189.
Certainly not for us NDNs. Only people of low character, or the ignorant would use it.
From Urban Dictionary: NDN = Needle D1ck Nick
See the posts on the origin of the term 'Indian Giver'. It's derogatory towards the white people of the time. You're showing your ignorance by not comprehending that. (Look up the term 'ignornant' if that offends you. Here, this might help: Ignorant | Define Ignorant at Dictionary.com )
As to who uses it, it's common American slang. Oh that's right! American culture is all low-brow and trash, right? Only other cultures are worthwhile...
What's next on the PC list? Eliminating Indian Summer?
See the posts on the origin of the term 'Indian Giver'. It's derogatory towards the white people of the time. You're showing your ignorance by not comprehending that. (Look up the term 'ignornant' if that offends you. Here, this might help: Ignorant | Define Ignorant at Dictionary.com )
As to who uses it, it's common American slang. Oh that's right! American culture is all low-brow and trash, right? Only other cultures are worthwhile...
What's next on the PC list? Eliminating Indian Summer?
Well that seems to be your problem, you rely on the Urban Dictionary instead of an authoritative one. Your etymology of the phrase is bogus.
People will always find a reason to be hurt/offended by ANYTHING.
My boss called me into his office, closed the door behind me and told me to stop using the expression "walking like a chicken with the head cut off" at the office because it offended him.
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