indian giver
LowInformal, Offensive
Definition
Meaning
A person who gives a gift and then takes it back.
Someone who reneges on a gift, promise, or concession after it has been granted.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is considered offensive and derogatory, originating from and perpetuating a harmful stereotype about Native Americans. Its use is strongly discouraged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an Americanism. While understood in the UK due to cultural exposure, it is rarely used in British English.
Connotations
Universally pejorative and offensive in both varieties.
Frequency
Much more likely to be encountered in historical American texts or discussed as an offensive term. Modern usage is minimal and stigmatized.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He is an Indian giver.Don't be such an Indian giver.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give with one hand and take away with the other”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly inappropriate. Would reference 'reneging on a deal' or 'revoking an offer.'
Academic
Used only in critical discourse analysis or historical linguistics to discuss offensive terminology.
Everyday
Avoided due to its offensive nature. The concept is described, not labeled.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- He tried to Indian-give the baseball card after he'd already handed it over. (archaic, offensive)
adjective
American English
- That was an Indian-giving move. (archaic, offensive)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I learned the phrase 'Indian giver' is not polite and we should not use it.
- The term 'Indian giver' is considered offensive because it is based on a false stereotype.
- Scholars note that the derogatory idiom 'Indian giver' emerged from colonial misunderstandings and prejudice regarding Native American customs of trade and reciprocity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Gives, then retrieves' – but remember this is a harmful stereotype and the term should not be used.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIFT-GIVING AS A REVOCABLE CONTRACT
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. The term is not about nationality ('индиец') but is a fixed, offensive American idiom referencing Native Americans.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a descriptive term without understanding its offensive history.
- Confusing it with a term for someone from India.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason to avoid using the term 'Indian giver'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered offensive and derogatory. It originates from and perpetuates a harmful stereotype about Native Americans.
Describe the action instead: 'a person who takes back a gift,' or use the idiom 'give with one hand and take away with the other.'
It is primarily an Americanism. While some British people may recognize it from media, it is not part of common British English usage and is equally offensive there.
It falsely attributes a negative behavior (reneging on a gift) to Native Americans as a cultural trait, based on colonial-era prejudices and misunderstandings of their complex systems of trade and gift-giving.