Ask and American Indian the meaning of this phrase.

Posted by Ed Stansell on October 19, 2002

In Reply to: Re: Never heard this meaning posted by Karl 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."

If you want to know what the American Indians, whom you all acknowledge are the source of this phrase,consider its meaning to be. Ask one. Who should know better than they, the true meaning of Indian giver?. You will find, as I have, that it stems from the white man giving to the Indian, only to take back the gift when it suited him to do so. This happened countless times, in land (which ironically the Indian already owned), in material gifts, and in promises.
ES

• Re: Shouldn't it be European-giver Karl 10/21/02
• Re: Ask and American Indian the meaning of this phrase. Silver Surfer 10/20/02
  • Re: 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
    • Re: 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
          • Re: Indian giver ESC 10/21/02