indian sign
LowInformal, somewhat archaic
Definition
Meaning
A spell or curse believed to cause bad luck or misfortune, often in the context of someone being unable to succeed at something.
Used metaphorically to describe a persistent pattern of failure or bad luck that seems inexplicable or as if caused by a supernatural influence. It can also refer to a jinx or a hex.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase often appears in the construction "to have/put the Indian sign on someone/something". It is rooted in colonial-era superstitions about Indigenous peoples' supposed mystical powers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is more common in American English, particularly in historical or literary contexts, but is rare in both varieties today. UK usage is virtually extinct.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries dated and potentially offensive colonial connotations. In modern usage, it is often avoided due to its stereotyping and historical baggage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary corpora. Mostly found in early 20th-century literature or historical discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] put/has the Indian sign on [Object].It seems [Subject] is under an Indian sign.The Indian sign is on [Object].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have the Indian sign on someone/something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Used only in historical, cultural, or post-colonial studies to discuss language and stereotype.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday conversation due to its offensive potential.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The veteran striker seems to have been *indian-signed*; he hasn't scored in 20 matches.
- That old house is *indian-signed*—no family stays there for long.
American English
- The pitcher has *indian-signed* our best hitters all series.
- Some said the land was *indian-signed* after the conflict.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He thinks he has an Indian sign and can never win a game.
- The old miner said the cave had an Indian sign on it.
- After three failed ventures, he began to believe a financial Indian sign was upon him.
- The boxer claimed his opponent had put the Indian sign on him, explaining his sudden loss of form.
- The phrase 'Indian sign' is a linguistic relic of colonial superstition, reflecting fears of indigenous mystical power.
- Critics argued the team was under an Indian sign, citing their bizarre history of last-minute losses in crucial matches.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stereotypical cartoon of a 'cowboy and Indian' film, where one character draws a sign in the air to jinx the other. Link this outdated image to the outdated phrase.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPERNATURAL INFLUENCE IS A PHYSICAL MARK (a 'sign' placed upon someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'индийский знак' (which would mean a sign from India).
- The concept is 'сглаз', 'порча', or 'проклятие', but the cultural origin of the English phrase is specific.
- Avoid using the phrase entirely in modern English; opt for 'jinx' or 'curse' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Confusing it with 'Indian summer' (a warm autumn period).
- Misspelling as 'Indian sigh'.
- Assuming it refers to something positive or neutral.
Practice
Quiz
Why is the phrase 'Indian sign' problematic in modern usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered dated. Its use is discouraged due to its offensive stereotyping.
It refers to Native Americans, based on historical stereotypes from North America. This is a common point of confusion.
'Jinx' is the most common and neutral informal synonym for a cause of persistent bad luck.
No. It is inappropriate for formal writing. It might only appear in historical or critical analysis of language itself.