Definition

1. Noun:
   • An American Indian woman: The term "squaw" refers specifically to a woman belonging to an Indigenous people of North America. It is a term of Algonquian origin.

Usage

• Important Note on Usage: The word "squaw" is now widely considered offensive, derogatory, and racist. Its historical usage was often reductive and dehumanizing. It is strongly recommended to avoid using this term. Modern, respectful alternatives are "Native American woman," "Indigenous woman," or the specific name of the woman's nation (e.g., "a Navajo woman," "a Lakota woman").

Examples

• Noun:
  • Historical/Offensive Context: In old Western films, characters might refer to an "Indian squaw," which is an unacceptable portrayal.
  • Modern Avoidance: Instead of saying "squaw," one should say, "She is a respected elder in her Native community."

Advanced Usage

• Historical Linguistic Context: The word entered English from Algonquian languages in the 17th century. While originally a neutral term for "woman" in its source languages, its adoption and use by English speakers became heavily laden with colonial and sexist stereotypes.
• In Place Names: Many place names in the United States and Canada contain this word (e.g., Squaw Peak, Squaw Valley). There is a significant and ongoing movement to rename these places due to the term's offensive nature.

Variants and Related Words

• Squaw man : A dated and offensive term for a white man married to a Native American woman.
• Squaw dance : A term sometimes used for certain social dances; using the specific cultural name is preferred.

Synonyms

• Native American woman (preferred, respectful)
• Indigenous woman (preferred, respectful)
• American Indian woman (Note: While "American Indian" is still used in some official contexts, many prefer "Native American" or specific nation names.)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• None: Due to its derogatory nature, no common, non-offensive idioms or phrasal verbs are formed with this word. Its use is confined to historical reference or offensive speech.

Noun

1. an American Indian woman