Indian Giver

Posted by Barney on October 18, 2002

In Reply to: Indian Giver posted by Bruce Kahl on October 18, 2002

: : Doesn't this phrase carry negative connotations toward Native Americans? Someone please help settle a heated discussion/disagreement I am having with some co-workers!

: It sure is racist.
: The phrase dates back to the early 19th century and originally meant someone who gives a gift in the expectation of receiving something of greater value in return, which was indeed a custom among Indians that must have struck early European settlers as rather odd. Later on, the phrase came to mean a "false gift," as the adjective "Indian" itself took on the pejorative meaning of "false" or "mock," a sense also found in "Indian Summer" and "Indian corn."

'Indian Giver' is not an expression I've ever heard used in the UK.

• Never heard this meaning Karl 10/18/02
  • Ask and American Indian the meaning of this phrase. Ed Stansell 10/19/02
    • Shouldn't it be European-giver Karl 10/21/02
    • Ask and American Indian the meaning of this phrase. Silver Surfer 10/20/02
      • Ask and American Indian the meaning of this phrase. Ed Stansell 10/22/02
      • I think Ed may have a point Word Camel 10/20/02
        • I think Ed may have a point--He sure does, however... Bruce Kahl 10/21/02
          • Maybe it's a "Bobo" thing Word Camel 10/21/02
            • Indian giver Edward Stansell 10/21/02
              • Indian giver ESC 10/21/02

See: the meaning and origin of the phrase 'Indian Summer'.