noun
injun
IHN-juhn
Injun (noun) means an old-fashioned and now offensive term for a Native American. Example: “The old western movie used the outdated and offensive term "injun" throughout.”
noun
1
An old-fashioned and now offensive term for a Native American.
"The old western movie used the outdated and offensive term "injun" throughout."
How to use injun
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated, disrespectful word for a Native American — best avoided in modern usage.
When to use it
Considered offensive and outdated; not used in respectful or modern contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- injuns
Fill the gap
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The old western movie used the outdated and offensive term "_____" throughout.
Etymology
A dialect spelling of "Indian," first recorded in the early 1800s.
Class of 1800
injun joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
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Redskin
Frequently asked questions
What does “injun” mean?
The word “injun” means an old-fashioned and now offensive term for a Native American. In plain terms, a dated, disrespectful word for a Native American — best avoided in modern usage.
How do you pronounce “injun”?
“Injun” is pronounced IHN-juhn (/ˈɪn.dʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “injun” in a sentence?
Here is “injun” used in a sentence: “The old western movie used the outdated and offensive term "injun" throughout.”
What part of speech is “injun”?
“Injun” is a noun.
Where does the word “injun” come from?
The word “injun” dates back to around 1800. A dialect spelling of "Indian," first recorded in the early 1800s.
