coon cheese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (historical/regional use only)Informal (historically), Avoided/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “coon cheese” mean?
A trade name for a specific brand of cheddar cheese, now considered offensive due to its historical racial connotations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A trade name for a specific brand of cheddar cheese, now considered offensive due to its historical racial connotations.
Formerly referred to a popular brand of cheddar cheese in Australia, the name of which was changed in 2020/2021 following public recognition of its racist etymology, derived from a racial slur for Black people. It now exists as 'Cheer Cheese' or similar renamed products.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term was specific to Australia (a former British colony). It was not used in the UK or the USA. In the UK/US, the racial slur 'coon' is recognised as highly offensive, but the cheese brand was unknown.
Connotations
In Australia: For many, it was a neutral product name until its etymology was widely publicised; now it carries strong negative connotations of racism and insensitivity. In UK/US: The word 'coon' is solely a deeply offensive racial slur with no cheese-related meaning.
Frequency
The term's frequency has dropped to near-zero following the brand's name change. It is now mentioned only in historical or educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coon cheese” in a Sentence
The history of [coon cheese] is controversial.They stopped producing [coon cheese].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coon cheese” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coon cheese brand was discontinued.
- It was a coon cheese wrapper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in case studies on brand management, crisis PR, and ethical rebranding.
Academic
Appears in sociological, linguistic, and marketing papers on onomastics, racial sensitivity, and cultural change.
Everyday
Avoided. If mentioned, it's in the context of 'the cheese that used to be called...'.
Technical
Not applicable in food science; relevant in marketing and social science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coon cheese”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coon cheese”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coon cheese”
- Using it as a generic term for cheddar.
- Assuming it refers to a cheese made from raccoon milk or for raccoons.
- Pronouncing it in a way that suggests it's a cute or neutral term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was a brand of cheddar cheese sold in Australia, named after its American founder, Edward William Coon. However, the word 'coon' is also a deeply offensive racial slur, leading to the brand's renaming in 2021.
No. The product was renamed to 'Cheer Cheese'. The old name is no longer used on packaging or in marketing.
In modern English, when used as a term for a person, it is universally considered a severe racial slur and should never be used. Its use in the cheese brand name was a controversial exception specific to that product's history.
Refer to it by its new brand name, 'Cheer Cheese', or simply as a block of cheddar or tasty cheese. Avoid using the old name.
A trade name for a specific brand of cheddar cheese, now considered offensive due to its historical racial connotations.
Coon cheese is usually informal (historically), avoided/archaic in register.
Coon cheese: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkuːn ˌtʃiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkuːn ˌtʃiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The name had to change 'coon' soon due to its offensive roots.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRAND NAMES ARE SOCIAL CONTRACTS (a broken contract necessitates change).
Practice
Quiz
Why was the name 'Coon Cheese' considered offensive?