esquimau
Very LowDated, Technical (culinary), Potentially Offensive
Definition
Meaning
A dated term for an Inuit person, or a type of ice-cream on a stick.
Primarily refers to a chocolate-covered ice cream bar. Historically and now considered offensive when referring to the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is largely obsolete. In modern contexts, 'Inuit' is the correct and preferred term for the people. The culinary sense survives in some brand names and regional usage, but 'ice cream bar' or 'chocolate-covered ice cream' is far more common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it's almost exclusively known as a dated term for a person. In US culinary history, 'Eskimo Pie' was a famous brand. Both now avoid the term for people.
Connotations
Strongly negative and outdated when referring to people. Neutral but old-fashioned for the dessert.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in historical texts or discussions of outdated terminology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[term] for [people/dessert][adjective] [noun] (e.g., esquimau treat)to refer to [someone/something] as an esquimauVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Only in historical context of brand names like 'Eskimo Pie'.
Academic
In historical, anthropological, or linguistic texts discussing outdated colonial terminology.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, it's likely a very old person referring to an ice cream.
Technical
In culinary history or discussions of product naming and cultural sensitivity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The esquimau tribes were described in the 19th century text.
American English
- He bought an esquimau pie from the vintage candy shop.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like chocolate ice cream.
- This old book uses the word 'esquimau', which we don't say today.
- The term 'esquimau' is considered derogatory and has been replaced by 'Inuit' in most contexts.
- Anthropologists critique the colonial legacy of terms like 'esquimau', which were imposed by outsiders rather than self-identified.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ESKImo AU - an AUstralian wouldn't use this outdated term.'
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this largely obsolete term.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian word 'эскимос' (eskimos) is the standard, non-offensive term. English has shifted to 'Inuit'. Direct translation will sound outdated and potentially offensive.
- The dessert meaning is not present in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to modern Inuit people.
- Assuming it's a standard term for an ice cream treat.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you still see the word 'esquimau' used neutrally today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered outdated and offensive when referring to people. Use 'Inuit' (or specific group names like 'Yupik') instead.
It historically referred to a chocolate-covered ice cream bar, most famously in the trademark 'Eskimo Pie'. This usage is also now often avoided due to its problematic origins.
In British English, it's /ˈɛskɪməʊ/. In American English, it's /ˈɛskɪmoʊ/. The stress is on the first syllable.
It is an exonym (a name given by outsiders) derived from Algonquian languages, often said to mean 'eater of raw meat'. It groups together diverse peoples with their own languages and identities under a single, inaccurate label imposed by colonizers.