phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Never heard this meaning

Posted by Karl on October 18, 2002

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

It meant someone who gave something then wanted it back.

Just guessing, but with this meaning, p'raps it stems from the fact that certain Amerind cultures have a vastly different notion of property ownership than EuroAm culture.

"I want to grow wheat on this field."
"Sure go ahead."
Next year the tribe is encamped there.
"You said I could grow wheat here."
"Yes and you did. Now I am spending the summer here."

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