Is "Injun" offensive to you?

[NOT]

Believe me... I am NOT the "thought police" OR the "language police".

I do however have opinions, and this has been bugging me for a while. 

So, I was wondering... do you think it's offensive to Native American's, Indian's, or to yourself,  or whomever they are or whatever the current politically correct term might be, to use the derogatory term "Injun" when talking about the Indian Head Penny.

The fact is that the term was derogatory from it's inception.

I'm just curious... comment if you like, vote if you can... 

 Injun Joe; Twain

honest Injun (occ. 'Indian'): 'Honour bright!', you can take my word for it: orig. early 1880s, US; in Brit. use by c. 1895, mostly owing to the popularity of Mark Twain's books;

 
INJUN SUMMER
John T. McCutcheon
Chicago Tribune
September 30, 1907



Use the term when and where I want. ;)



all have a good un.........
SHERMANVILLE

The fact is that the term was derogatory from it's inception.

Actually, it is simply a phonetic spelling of a colloquial or dialectical pronunciation of the word Indian.

If one chooses to regard it as offensive, then of course it certainly can be— as in the case of dialectical corruption of the word Negro.  Anybody can take offense at anything... and nowadays many do.  Arkansas State University, whose athletic teams have been heretofore proudly known as the Indians, is now the last school on the NCAA's original list of 19 schools with "hostile or abusive" nicknames.  One might ask why it is "hostile or abusive" to honor the strength, courage, and proud spirit of a people by choosing to name a team for them, but never mind: a committee is now searching for a new team name.

I suppose next the University of Arkansas will be required to abandon the name Razorbacks and nickname Hogs  in order to placate those religions to whom such beasts are an abomination.

Incidentally, I have a certain amount of Indian ancestry and have lived my entire life in a region in which there are many Indians (or, if you prefer, Native Americans).  Only within recent years and the advent of "political correctness" have I ever known or heard of anyone who found Injun offensive.

That said, no, I don't use the word— and yes, I think we ought to respect one another's feelings in such matters.  However, I do not intend to delete it unless I am convinced that someone sincerely feels it to be seriously and deliberately offensive.


 

It's only offensive if by saying the word, the intent is to offend.  Make sense?

John

no im not offended by it.

Since I am Native American (Cherokee & Lakota), I don't really care for the term...
I'm not easily "offended", but I still don't particularly like the term.
But use it as you'd like. I can overlook it... I can be pretty thick-skinned sometimes, if needs be. ;)

Bran <><

Excellent and well thought out responses...

Upon rereading my original post I wish I had written this line differently; "I do however have opinions, and this has been bugging me for a while".  Instead I wished I had written a clearer meaning of my thoughts, which would now say: "I do however have opinions, and have been wanting to ask your opinions as well".  The term itself has not been bugging me, more like the posting the question to you all has been gnawing at me...

After reading the book The Language Police  by Diane Ravitch I see all forms of what would be derogatory terms a little differently now... although I don't buy into the hype, I am very conscious of how these terms are used in society anymore.  Much like the examples PBK wrote about.

In addition, and a great reason I recommend the book I mentioned... is this fact:  Conducting a quick research of the term "Injun" returned to me time and again what I posted above: "... that the term was derogatory from it's inception." and couldnt find ONE note that stated what PBK wrote, which is that the term: "...is simply a phonetic spelling of a colloquial or dialectical pronunciation of the word Indian."
I of course bow to PBK's expertise in the written language, and appreciate his input.

Bran - You are doing well to keep things in perspective, and realizing that the term, which certainly can be derogatory - probebly never is when used in the capacity asked obout here... reguarding the Indian Head penny... Good for you.

Interesting... and, a very smart crowd here in MY opinion...  not that that means a damned thing on payday.

Since my Grandmother was half Indian, I figure my opinion should be counted also.  It does not bother me at all.  What bothers me more is all this PC crap that is running rampant in or society.  I am made up of German, Indian and English.  So I guess you could call me a "mean drunk" who enjoys a nice relaxing cup of tea.

It makes absolutely no difference to me who uses the term,
as long as there are no predjudices involved.

It is an archaic term and I hear it so infrequenly it doesn't phase me one way or another.
the prejudices on the other hand will and do bother me,
I have many friends who are american Indian and they ere some of the finest hardest working folks I am proud to know.
Most of them I call friends.

Thom
OD

Well...

I would imagine that if anyone was really offended by the term, and PM'ed the moderators about it, some posts might have to be changed.   

That said, I also think one has to pick their arguments very carefully here on Tnet.  I have been the recipient of everything from praise to prejudice in my time here.  (Those damned professors like me--we just think we're all smarter than everyone else, and we don't even work for a living...oh--and we make SO much money    )  I guess my point is that everyone is prejudiced in some way against something.  I don't detect anything about the phrase's use here that strikes me as prejudiced.  So I think if I were to have a "squaring off" as they say, it certainly wouldn't be over a word that is meant in a harmless way.   ;) 

I think this tendency is similar to the misnomer "Mercury Dime" instead of "Winged Liberty Dime."  For some, these phrases were learned from their parents--or others--who referred to the coins a certain way.  We each have our own jargon when it comes to metal detecting as well as numismatics.  Besides, I find the idea of a "Zincoln" much more offensive (not the term itself, but when I dig a hole to find one).   


-Buckles

I live in a town where most of the populace is looking for some reason to be offended. Gays, lesbians, trannies, and hippies of all races, colors and creeds. And yet I've never met a more bigoted bunch.

 Personally, I couldn't care less.

 To me, AIM stands for "a-holes in moccasins". That comes from a Lakota....

Doesn't bother me in the least, either.  I'm a very small percentage Indian and I'd rather be called an Injun or a blanket ___ than some of the other things that I've been called here - yet NOBODY started a thread about the use of those terms.   But I guess it's ok to be called a racist and a bigot and a Nazi and a bitch and a liar, etc. with all the hate imaginable than it is to be called an Injun.   Hmmm, what's wrong with that picture?   

Sorry, MJ, but this is just so unimportant in the context with which I've seen the word used.   

No reason to be sorry... it's just a question about the word in reference to the penny... I realize there coulda been more important and globaly significant terms I coulda asked about... but this was simply it     

[my]

Since I am Native American (Cherokee & Lakota), I don't really care for the term...
I'm not easily "offended", but I still don't particularly like the term.
But use it as you'd like. I can overlook it... I can be pretty thick-skinned sometimes, if needs be.

Bran <><

I'm also Cherokee, as well as Scottish, English, Irish, German, French, and Dutch. Basically, most of my ancestors took advantage of the rest of my ancestors! I understand that political correctness is tiresome to most, but I think there is a larger issue at play here. The "what about my feelings?" attitude seems to be under the surface of many of the protests about political correctness.

I've always thought the term was derogatory from its inception not because it was a dialectical corruption of the word "Indian", but because the native people continue to be labeled Indian long after Columbus realized that he had not found a new trade route to India after all. In other words, it's bad enough that the European settlers (again, most of my ancestors) stole the Native American's land, decimated their (or "our", as I include the rest of my ancestry) populations through war and disease (smallpox blankets, anyone?). But to continue to call them Indians after over 500 years of getting the shaft is a bit callous, to say the least. I've got nothing against the great state of Illinois, but as a native Texan, I know I'd be pretty upset if someone referred to me as anything but.

1960Texan

being a fair part native american -- I would like the term "indian head cent" or "IH cent"  used --which is what its name is actually -- injun -- is "low down" slang  or a "slur" word -- and not very polite slang at best. --- folks would not think its ok to use N word --which came into used because NIGER valley slaves were known to be hard working , intelligent and peaceful natured thus a "ideal" slave  thus the slave markteers used the word on the ads for slave sale posters  in hopes of fetching a high price for their high "quality" slaves --- word corruption led to a extra "g" being added over time -- the word offends because it means basically "you'd be a great slave" --- of course theres the S word for hispanics because they "no speak" the language -- the word is used to mean your stupid since you don't speak english thus why its offensive -- ah then theres the M word for the irish because the names of had Mc or Mac in them  (thus depersonizing them )--- or the "W" word for italians since many of the poorer ones who could not afford to pay for some one in the old country to pre do their paper work so came over without their paper work in order or "With Out  Papers" --it means you come from poor or "low class" stock .
ah "gringo" is not a nice word either since it means --white folks who do not want mexicans to come back to their former lands that they once owned--- after the texas revolt and when it joined into the states the former mexican land owners fled to avoid the fighting tried to return and file claims on their families land that they used to own (there was only a very short period of time given to file a claim) and you had to get permission to cross the border -- often a very long process ---- so the mexicans would try to sneak in so they could file their claim in time---often they were caught by the "green coated" border agents and barred from entry thus missing the filing deadlines and losing their lands in the process --thus those in the "green coats" stole their "rights" from them in their view --so the "green coats " were racist mexican haters to them -- over time it became--- "gringos"

funny thing how once you see the history behiind racial "slur" words -- you can see why their offensive to others most of the time.
 
Ivan

Thank you for your input everyone...

OUTSTANDING responses...

This is NOT a political soap box even though terms and lanuage reflects various political mindsets.  I'm simply curious as to how individuals feel about the term being used when speaking about the Penny...

I object to the word "penny". "Penny" is English. We do not make pennies here..... they're cents.

you are correct --- please note ---I used the term "cent" in my post -- the use of the word "penny" is indeed a holdover from our british colonial days -- funny thing the plural of penny to the british is "pence" --- but americans use the word "pennies" --- one of the first things america did when we "made" our own money was to use the terms "cent" or "cents" on our coins-- to show that we were differant and no long under english control anymore. Ivan

I object to the word "penny". "Penny" is English. We do not make pennies here..... they're cents.

LOL... That makes cents... 

you are correct --- please note ---I used the term "cent" in my post -- the use of the word "penny" is indeed a holdover from our british colonial days -- funny thing the plural of penny to the british is "pence" --- but americans use the word "pennies" --- one of the first things america did when we "made" our own money was to use the terms "cent" or "cents" on our coins-- to show that we were differant and no long under english control anymore. Ivan

And another thing we did was keep historical figures off of our coins for over a hundred years of our history.  We used the figure of "Liberty" rather than loading our coins up with rulers' images like good 'ole England and King George.  I'd imagine that Washington and Jefferson would roll in their graves if they reached into their pockets and saw their own images staring back at them.  And ever since we started putting presidents on coins, we've had some of the dang UGLIEST coins in the history of this country. 

So in short, it OFFENDS me that we have presidents on our coins.   ;)


-Buckles

As someone said above it is all in the way it is used. When someone is referring to me and my heritage I would prefer them to use the word Indian

I don't see why someone would use it to describe their coin when it just makes 'cents' to say Indian cent or Indian head penny, but I guess I'm odd because I don't get why these folks call silver wilver or wilvur or whatever the heck they say.

Glad I got that off my chest.

Lonnie

The only correct name for the coin in question is the "Liberty Head Cent."  That's not an Indian on the front--unlike the Buffalo Nickel--that's Lady Liberty with a Native American Headdress.


(But popular names will always prevail.  Just look at the Barber Nickel.)   



-Buckleboy

Thank you for the schooling BuckleBoy, I hadn't even thought of that.

Lonnie

Thank you for the schooling BuckleBoy, I hadn't even thought of that.

Lonnie

I'm not looking to school anybody--I just think history is neat.   

In other words, it's bad enough that the European settlers (again, most of my ancestors) stole the Native American's land, decimated their (or "our", as I include the rest of my ancestry) populations through war and disease (smallpox blankets, anyone?). But to continue to call them Indians after over 500 years of getting the shaft is a bit callous, to say the least. I've got nothing against the great state of Illinois, but as a native Texan, I know I'd be pretty upset if someone referred to me as anything but.

1960Texan

I think you've stated the point that I often fail to communicate to others about my heritage. I definitely prefer to be called a Native American, because that's what my ancestry is made up of; those that were Native to this country before others who came here. I'm open when it comes to other races being here, because I've grown up in a cultural melting pot down in Florida... but even so, my family (heritage-wise) were living here before everyone else.

Bran <><

This is whats wrong with this country.  Native American, African American, Cuban American, Mexican American.......   We are AMERICANS.  I could care less where you came from.  Don't get me wrong, its nice to know where your ancestors are from, but everyone doesn't need to know.  Then we get to slang terms being offensive.  They are only words.  If words can actually hurt you then maybe its time to get some professional help and quit being such a wimp..... IMHO

This is whats wrong with this country.  Native American, African American, Cuban American, Mexican American.......   We are AMERICANS.  I could care less where you came from.  Don't get me wrong, its nice to know where your ancestors are from, but everyone doesn't need to know.  Then we get to slang terms being offensive.  They are only words.  If words can actually hurt you then maybe its time to get some professional help and quit being such a wimp..... IMHO

Lucky - I agree... except that I think ONLY Native Americans can claim such a hyphonated title and still mean they ARE AMERICANS.  It's like sayin they are American Americans... LOL.  It's not associated with any other place or country first.  Does that make sense?

This topic might get a little of course which I guess should be okay... after all I did ask a potentialy volitile question.   

Great responses...

Buckles, like Jeffro, excellent points on the cents and and other portrait monies...

Lucky - I agree... except that I think ONLY Native Americans can claim such a hyphonated title and still mean they ARE AMERICANS.  It's like sayin they are American Americans... LOL.  It's not associated with any other place or country first.  Does that make sense?

I agree with you Montana. I kinda wanted to say that, but didn't want to seem like "that guy" that's whining about how "hard it's been for my people"... it's all in the past, even though I'm extremely proud of my heritage and that my great grandfather traced his side of the family directly back to Chief Sitting Bull. It makes me smile.

Bran <><

Lucky - I agree... except that I think ONLY Native Americans can claim such a hyphonated title and still mean they ARE AMERICANS.  It's like sayin they are American Americans... LOL.  It's not associated with any other place or country first.  Does that make sense?

I agree with you Montana. I kinda wanted to say that, but didn't want to seem like "that guy" that's whining about how "hard it's been for my people"... it's all in the past, even though I'm extremely proud of my heritage and that my great grandfather traced his side of the family directly back to Chief Sitting Bull. It makes me smile.

Bran <><

Thanks... because it twists every gut that has to listen YOUR oppression about 160 years ago... neither you OR I can change it - and it's old news.  Thanks for living in the present...

The Sitting Bull bloodline thing is pretty cool.    He had 5 wives and many children.

I was thinking more Continental Americas than US of America, I shoulda been clearer.

I am half Cherokee and half Hungarian  and could care less what people call a cent. I am very strong in my Heritage on both sides ,but America has gotten so damn politically correct that its enough to make me throw up and I am tired of it...I have been called everything all my life from Squaw to Gypsy  and dont care.....I disagree with them taking the school mascots and names away that has anything Native American  and its just erasing who we are....My girls and I sing Half Breed all the time and laugh about it....people and cultures need to get over themselves and realize that we all come from different backgrounds ...but we are in the American Soup Kettle now. There are alot worse things to be called than an Injun.

as teddy roosevelt  basically said many years ago -- there only room  for americans in america --- (anything - american is not american ) to be american you must be 100 % american dedicated to making this country stronger and planning to live the rest of your life here. ---- in otherwords you maybe a "AMERCIAN" WHO'S FAMILY CAME FROM MEXICO -- THUS YOU ARE OF MEXICAN DECENT BUT THERE IS NO "MEXICAN - AMERICAN" or "IRISH - AMERICAN" OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT --- it very plain and simple either you are or you are not a 100 % "AMERICAN" --  and english is the language we in america use in day to day "offical" bussiness so please learn it to better fit in and gain employment. (at home you may speak and keep your culture and speak your "native" tongue) but in the workplace -- your employers will expect you to be able to speak english.

if you are indeed planning to be a upstanding "legal" citizen and pay your taxes and "fit in" --welcome to america -- if not beat it .

I like the way Gypsy said it.

Basicly we as americans are mostly all "Muts".

(a mixture of many ethnic origins)

Hey,
Check me out.
My nose is cold.

Thom
OD

LOL

OD

im an 1/8 indian my wife is 1/2 indian injun isnt offensive to us at all. my son plays on a hockey team named the taconic braves with a indian profile on the front of his jersey. which is awesome. a team we play is named after jeffery amherst from the revolutionary war. the man who gave the blankets to the indians as gifts. oop's did he forget to tell them that the blankets came from soldiers who died from smallpox. what a guy.

Things I find offensive:
Any form of child abuse
Murderers
Harming animals for fun
Liars, this includes con artists and people who scam for any reason
Politicians
Rude people
Greedy people

Nope, I guess "injun" isn't on my list

I'm in no way a politically correct person but I do try to be a good person.

I have some indian in me. I also have Polish, English and Pennsylvania Dutch. You can call me anything you want, just don't call me late for dinner. To be honest, it drives me nuts when people say these slang "nicknames" bother them. Who cares? Are we still in elementary school? Call me a Pollock and I will laugh in you face. I could care less. People need to get tougher and stop being such wimps. It is a word that means nothing. Everyone is so sensitive. Native American? America is what the spanish called it, right? So why would a true native to this country want to be called a Native American? All you sensitive indians, what was this land called if you are so in touch with your heritage? Most "indians" are just posers. You are not an indian in my book unless you still pray to the sun and the moon. Hunt your dinner and can live off the land. If you do not do these things, you are just an American, living in the developed world the Europeans have made for you. No offense is meant by my post, just my opinion. And no, injun is not offensive. Sorry Jim, got off the subject...

LOL... no problem

<--------- Pollock checking in to stir the pot

<--------- Pollock checking in to stir the pot

That explains it,

No I don't think so.

I'm not offended if someone wants to call me a Honky either. It just shows their lack of finding an intelligent way to express their anger. Sticks and stones.


This country could go long way if instead of dividing ourselves by race, religion and creed, we need to say we are American.

But, in the growing sprit of gaining a minority status I designate myself German, or European American. If African Americans and Spanish Americans, and Gays can be classified, so can I.  My people didn't come to this country until mid-1800's.

<--------- Pollock checking in to stir the pot

<--------- The WOP seconds that...

<................The MICK and KRAUT thirds that

What nickname is there for English and Danish? I'm that too! And my boys are French, Spanish, German and Irish on their fathers side and my dau is all of me plus Indian (mixed from 3 tribes) and French Canadian...

OMG...are we in that melting pot too?

I can't stand this politically correct BS!!! Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will not hurt me...cause I really don't care what you call me....so there! (why, cause calling names is so childess!!)

I am also English on my Dad's side. They are well known for there bad teeth and homosexuals. The Danish, thats a tough one.

Irish and Cherokee, with a smattering of French, then my daughter bio. father Polish, so we are Mutts and pround of it!!

Now the grandkids dad is Scottish!

<-------------------------Dumb Sweede,   Yup I checked, Blond too. LOL


OD

It's only offensive if by saying the word, the intent is to offend.  Make sense?

John

Agreed

stefen,----------------Totally Agree!

 --  oh the sterotype "nick names" that we "put" on others -- mick,kraut,wop,raghead, kike,spic,  dago,greaser,,honky,cracker,redneck,chink, slant eye, wasp,  fag, homo, dyke, ---  these and others terms are  used by bigoted & racist folks of all colors and creeds -- injun -- is no more or less offensive then any of those other "mere words"--- where I grew up at if you used those types of terms when speaking with folks you were trying to provoke a fight . so no I don't use the terms --and injun is just as bad as the others are. hateful talk and callous talk about others tends to show a lack of respect for others feelings and rights. --- Ivan

I have a tad bit of Mohawk in my blood along with MANY other things. I have been called names before and when I was younger I supposed ,,, that bothered me. NOW, that I am older and wiser(??) i just feel sorry for the folks who do the name callin.

No, but then I am a "WOP" ... HH Joe

I'm Cherokee, and it doesn't bother me a bit! Now when I dig a zinc cent and call it a White Boy, I'll expect the same courtesy!

 "Red on the head like the di#@ on a dog"

 Naw, " Injun" doesn't offend me, being a white boy. But just because I'm white and male doesn't mean I haven't heard --deleted-- ....


 Everything depends on how it's used, pretty much.

I'm Cherokee, and it doesn't bother me a bit! Now when I dig a zinc cent and call it a White Boy, I'll expect the same courtesy!

 

It floors me how folks can get so out of hand especially when it comes to race, religion and politics. I am not offended by the word

but then again I can't claim any race wholly because I'm just a mutt!

It floors me how folks can get so out of hand especially when it comes to race, religion and politics. I am not offended by the word

but then again I can't claim any race wholly because I'm just a mutt!

Mutt?...don't think so.

there is but one race --"human" -- the rest of it is just which sub set you claim to belong to.

I Knew a injun that reallly offended me, it was a ford 302

I not sure there are any Native Americans.
I thought the early peoples of North America were descendants of people who migrated from Asia.

Anyway now that I am aware that the use of certain words could be disrespectful and hurt someones feelings I am going to try not using them at all....

 

I Knew a injun that reallly offended me, it was a ford 302

  I got offended at a 351 Windsor once. I tried to blow it up, but it wouldn't blow.
  

I not sure there are any Native Americans.
I thought the early peoples of North America were descendants of people who migrated from Asia.

Anyway now that I am aware that the use of certain words could be disrespectful and hurt someones feelings I am going to try not using them at all........Honest Injun.

 

Well...Since all ancestors migrated from one starting point...I guess I will claim Native American as my heritage.....as Native Eden-onian sound so silly

["...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."]

"...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."

Not sure that the penny would be offended, however the term itself is predicial, if not racist.  Its no different that using the term; "I jewed him down"  or "I was gyped"...both are meant to offend and to be anti-semetic and / or racist.

Now being a white anglo-saxon prostestant (WASP) as many white Americans are classified, many would fall into the name calling and may understand the slights, but have never experienced them.

However, if a person is of American Native origin or other ethnicity, its like being slapped in the face.

To me, there is a level of tolerance that is acceptable in today's society...and if you call me or the other guy a name thinking its acceptable, you may find out otherwise...

Recently, I had a contractor walk into my office for a project conference and the first words out of his mouth were; "I'm dealing with this jew-boy...".  He was fired on the spot.  End of conversation.

["...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."]

"...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."

Not sure that the penny would be offended, however the term itself is predicial, if not racist.  Its no different that using the term; "I jewed him down"  or "I was gyped"...both are meant to offend and to be anti-semetic and / or racist.

Now being a white anglo-saxon prostestant (WASP) as many white Americans are classified, many would fall into the name calling and may understand the slights, but have never experienced them.

However, if a person is of American Native origin or other ethnicity, its like being slapped in the face.

To me, there is a level of tolerance that is acceptable in today's society...and if you call me or the other guy a name thinking its acceptable, you may find out otherwise...

Recently, I had a contractor walk into my office for a project conference and the first words out of his mouth were; "I'm dealing with this jew-boy...".  He was fired on the spot.  End of conversation.

I'm offended. You called me a WASP.

[couldnt find ONE note that stated what PBK wrote,]

Conducting a quick research of the term "Injun" returned to me time and again what I posted above: "... that the term was derogatory from it's inception." and couldnt find ONE note that stated what PBK wrote, which is that the term: "...is simply a phonetic spelling of a colloquial or dialectical pronunciation of the word Indian."

I didn't realize that I had failed to respond to Jim's comment.  With many apologies, I do so now.

Injun
Injun colloq. and dial. U.S. form of INDIAN. XVII (Ingin, Engiane, later Indjon).
From: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996 | Author: T. F. Hoad |© 1996, Oxford University Press .

I hope that this citation will suffice to support my assertion about the word's origin and usage.

["...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."]

"...do you think it's offensive to call the Indian Head Penny an "Injun" when posting..."

Not sure that the penny would be offended, however the term itself is predicial, if not racist.  Its no different that using the term; "I jewed him down"  or "I was gyped"...both are meant to offend and to be anti-semetic and / or racist.

Now being a white anglo-saxon prostestant (WASP) as many white Americans are classified, many would fall into the name calling and may understand the slights, but have never experienced them.

However, if a person is of American Native origin or other ethnicity, its like being slapped in the face.

To me, there is a level of tolerance that is acceptable in today's society...and if you call me or the other guy a name thinking its acceptable, you may find out otherwise...

Recently, I had a contractor walk into my office for a project conference and the first words out of his mouth were; "I'm dealing with this jew-boy...".  He was fired on the spot.  End of conversation.

What do you mean you were "gyped" ?
I am telling dang it no one to tell ,libs are out of their office ,honkys have a holiday,wasps at BEE convention,mexies are all ...crap dont know any.....hillbillies are moonshining,dang it  just leaves us injuns,

[couldnt find ONE note that stated what PBK wrote,]

Conducting a quick research of the term "Injun" returned to me time and again what I posted above: "... that the term was derogatory from it's inception." and couldnt find ONE note that stated what PBK wrote, which is that the term: "...is simply a phonetic spelling of a colloquial or dialectical pronunciation of the word Indian."

I didn't realize that I had failed to respond to Jim's comment.  With many apologies, I do so now.

Injun
Injun colloq. and dial. U.S. form of INDIAN. XVII (Ingin, Engiane, later Indjon).
From: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | Date: 1996 | Author: T. F. Hoad |© 1996, Oxford University Press .

I hope that this citation will suffice to support my assertion about the word's origin and usage.

Dang PBK! 

You coulda' let it go so that I would'nt look TOO stupid!  LMAO   

  

I'm Cherokee, and it doesn't bother me a bit! Now when I dig a zinc cent and call it a White Boy, I'll expect the same courtesy!

Thinkin along the same order....just to level the playing field...
         Wheaties could now be Whiteys !!

Not at all.

Hey Montana, A penny for your thoughts. Jimbob

Hey Montana, A penny for your thoughts. Jimbob

Deal... an Indian Head Cent? 

When I started this topic it was because I kept on reading: "I found an injun" all over T-Net.  I understand it's slang... but living in a city full of Native Americans it hit me that it might be an offensive term... her where I live it is.

So I asked...

I appreciated all the responses and am wondering about the 24 percent who actually voted that they were offended.  My question now is, are they offended because they are Native American, or because they learned it was a derogatory word through some other medium... like parents, school, teachers, friends... ect.

I hope that was at least worth a Zincoln Cent. 

 My father was 100% AM Indian and my mom was half Swedes and half German. I never cared if I was called a Injun but I was called a Nazi once and that hurt. I just want to be judged by what I do and who I am, not who my ancestors were. I am proud to be a Indian but more proud to be an American. If you want to offend a Indian call him a blanket a**.
My Indian name
Seldom seen Bob.

No, but I am not the most politically correct person will find 

no it isnt an I am 1

Doesn't bother me.  I've often wondered the same thing.  No matter what you say, it will offend someone, and some folks are looking for reasons to be offended.  You can try with all your might, and you're going to offend someone anyway.  I don't worry about it.  If I know there is someone who truly is hurt by something I can control, I will avoid it.  Otherwise, on with life.

the way I look at it You Call a Coin a Injun
How Can you offend that Coin ?

when you get into talking about people
it all depends on the person at the receiving end.
whether they like the person who is saying it or not.

just like another word that gets overused in rap
and on the streets between friends but is
illegal to say in certain circles because of hate crimes
laws.

As Native American it doesn't offend me...unless it was meant to be offensive. Everything is said in context, no?

HI sorry to be soo late, but it is entirely in the intent--->  Ex/

Ivan, ya ole SOB!

Wthout qualifiers, it can be EITHER a compliment or an extreme insult.

I am partly Mohican (long coold winter) and predominently Irish.  I often refer to myself as an Injun, or Mick, or hard headed Irisher.  heeheheh

Names  only bother you if you let them.  But I do think that this politically correct thingie is getting to be completely stupid.

Ivan I'll let you guess which is the intent  heehheheh

Don Jose de La Mancha

p.s  Ivan is a very good friend of mine, so it is a compliment.

its only a WORD!

SOB is offensive to me cause y'all didn't know my mom.  'Injun' probably comes from sayin 'Indian' as 'Indun'.  Vine Deloria Jr. had somethin to say about natives pronouncin 'indian' like log 'cabin'.  I got an AIM card, in relation to the line of work I used to be in.  I got the native American Heritage too, but I ain't got the card cause I don't want to be a ward of the Government.  Indian is a misnomer anyway.  You are a Cherokee, or a Kiowa, or Choctaw, whatever nation you may be.  People ask me what I am, and I say "I'm an Ameri-cun".  Ain't what they call ya, but what you answer to.

I realize that some posts I will comment on will be old but here goes.
I am part native American, I am not politically correct nor will i ever be. The word has been in use for a long time, as other words now not "right"
If you go to the rez here {Apache} you will be called a white man, and you will be offended or not as the case might be. It will depend on how you will hear and feel the words used.

     Squaw, in the region where I live, used to mean wife, but now it used to mean something worse.
Neat how we can change the past. West of here a short ways was "Squaw Creek," but some native American ladies in more recent years became "offended" because squaw means whore, a recent development in the ancient meaning, and the creek was re-named. Not to "Wife Creek" either, because 200 years from now the word wife will have meant whore in the past like squaw did, even though they didn't. This is silly. Injun. Talequah, Cherokee, and Tsa-La-Gi all came from the same word.

So true different words take on differeft meaning in changing times... which means about every 10 years...