Squaw: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšซ
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squaw

 

[ skwษ”ห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

derogatory term

The term 'squaw' is considered a derogatory term for Indigenous women, particularly in North America. Historically, it was used by European settlers to refer to Native American women, often implying subservience or objectification. The word has roots in various Indigenous languages, but its usage has evolved negatively over time, leading to its rejection by many Indigenous peoples.

Synonyms

female, lady, woman

Examples of usage

  • The term squaw is offensive.
  • It's better to avoid using squaw in conversation.
  • Historically, squaw referred to an Indigenous woman.

Translations

Translations of the word "squaw" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเค•เฅเคตเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ squaw

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใ‚ฏใƒฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท squaw

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ squaw

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šค์ฟผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ squaw

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ squaw

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–ฏ้˜”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ™แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ squaw

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ squaw

Etymology

The word 'squaw' originates from the Algonquian language family, where it meant 'woman' or 'female'. However, the term was adopted by European colonizers and has since taken on a pejorative connotation. As English-speaking settlers interacted with Indigenous peoples, they often used this term to define Indigenous women in a manner that reflected their own cultural hierarchies. Over time, 'squaw' became associated with negative stereotypes and injustices against Indigenous communities. As awareness grew about the implications of such language, many Indigenous groups and allies advocated for the abandonment of the term, recognizing it as not just flawed but harmful. Today, the use of 'squaw' is widely rejected in academic, social, and political discussions surrounding Indigenous rights.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,593, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.