Indian Giver

Posted by Paul Michael on December 08, 1999

I'm trying to research the origin of the phrase Indian Giver.
When I was growing up it meant to take back something you had given to someone else.
This seems strange in light of what I've learned about " give aways" as part of native American culture.
Does anyone have any idea where this term originated?
Maybe it came from the way the government gave to the Indians and then took back from them.

• Indian Giver Bruce Kahl 12/08/99
  • Indian Giver E. 12/08/99