lapp
LowNeutral to dated/possibly offensive; formal contexts use 'Sami'.
Definition
Meaning
A member of the Sami people, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia, or something relating to them.
The word 'Lapp' is an older, often outdated term for the Sami people and their language or culture. Its use is now frequently considered outdated or even derogatory, with 'Sami' being the preferred, respectful term. It can also refer to a native of Lapland or related items.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the ethnic group. The term can be sensitive; 'Sami' is the modern endonym and politically correct term. The related term 'Lapland' for the region is still commonly used in English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. Both varieties recognize the term as dated.
Connotations
In both, the term may carry colonial or outdated overtones; awareness of the preferred term 'Sami' is increasing.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage in both dialects, appearing mostly in historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
noun + of (a Lapp of northern Norway)adjective + noun (the indigenous Lapp community)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used cautiously in historical, anthropological, or linguistic contexts, often with quotes or a note on terminology.
Everyday
Rare; if used, may be considered uninformed or offensive. 'Sami' is the common modern term.
Technical
May appear in older geographical or ethnographic texts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The museum had a display of traditional Lapp handicrafts.
American English
- He studied Lapp languages in his anthropology course.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Lapland is in the north. The Sami people live there. (Use 'Sami', not 'Lapp').
- Many older books use the word 'Lapp', but today we say 'Sami people'.
- The term 'Lapp' is increasingly seen as pejorative and has been largely replaced by 'Sami', the community's own name for itself.
- Anthropological discourse has critically examined the colonial legacy embedded in exonyms like 'Lapp', advocating for the primacy of the endonym 'Sami' in scholarly work.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LAP'land. A 'Lapp' is from LaPland. But remember, 'Sami' is the name they call themselves.
Conceptual Metaphor
None prominent.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation from Russian 'лопарь' is 'Lapp', but the modern English equivalent is the more respectful 'Sami'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Lapp' in modern, respectful discourse instead of 'Sami'.
- Confusing 'Lapp' (people) with 'Laplander' (inhabitant of the region, not necessarily Sami).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, the word 'Lapp' is best described as:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. It is an older exonym (name given by outsiders). The Sami people generally prefer 'Sami' or 'Saami'. Using 'Lapp' can be seen as insensitive or outdated.
'Lapp' specifically referred to the Sami ethnic group. 'Laplander' is a more general term for any inhabitant of the Lapland region, which includes Sami and non-Sami people. Both terms are being replaced by more specific, respectful language.
Yes, but with caution. It is appropriate when quoting historical sources or discussing historical terminology. It's good practice to introduce the term with a note explaining that 'Sami' is the contemporary preferred term.
Use 'Sami' (or 'Saami') for the people and their language. Use 'Sámi' for the most precise orthography. For the region, 'Lapland' is still commonly used, but 'Sápmi' is the Sami name for their traditional homeland.