red indian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It reduces hundreds of distinct, sovereign Indigenous nations to a single, inaccurate stereotype based on perceived skin colour, a categorisation imposed by colonisers. It is a relic of a racist and colonial worldview.

Whenever possible, use the specific name of the nation or tribe (e.g., Mohawk, Seminole, Sioux). If a general term is needed, 'Native American', 'Indigenous American', or 'American Indian' (the latter still used in some official U.S. legal contexts) are accepted. In Canada, 'First Nations', 'Inuit', and 'Métis' are used.

No. Language in historical texts reflects the attitudes of its time. We read such terms critically, understanding their historical context, but we do not adopt them for contemporary use, just as we wouldn't adopt other outdated and prejudiced terms found in old literature.

Yes. While awareness of its offensiveness may be more acute in North America due to proximity to Native communities, it is universally recognised as a derogatory, colonial term among linguists, historians, and educators in the UK, Australia, and other English-speaking regions.

A dated and offensive term for a member of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Red indian is usually avoided in register.

Red indian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈɪn.di.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈɪn.di.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.