2006-11-28 02:38:21 · 7 answers · asked by silverback487 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"Indian giver" means someone who gives you something with the intention of taking it back or wanting it back.
During colonial times, Indians would lend items to settlers. The settlers thought that they were receiving gifts and were surprised when the Indians wanted them back.
It's offensive to the Native American community though.
2006-11-28 02:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by jaded1004 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Phrase Indian Giver
2016-12-10 15:55:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The phrase comes from the fact that Native Americans idea of a gift differed from that of Europeans. The gift was not given freely -- but rather as a signal of friendship where the receiver was expected to give a gift in return. If no exchange of gifts was offered, the natives would take back their gift.
At least three links that I found support this history for the phrase. The funny thing is that I thought it applied to whites who gave things (like rights and lands) to the Indians then took them back.
2006-11-28 02:48:48 · answer #3 · answered by Ranto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indian giver
Indian giver - meaning and origin of this phrase. ... Phrases, sayings and idioms at. The Phrase Finder. Indian giver ... The phrase is quite early in the ...
2006-11-28 02:41:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I beilieve it comes from the way the American Indians had no concept of ownership and thus when they gave something to someone and they wanted it back they just took it back. It was not stealing because no one owned anything until they were taught by white men about ownership.
2006-11-28 02:43:26 · answer #5 · answered by True101 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it refers to the way the U.S. government would "give" the native Americans (aka Indians) land or various rights but then turn around and take it away again.
2006-11-28 02:41:04 · answer #6 · answered by jplrvflyer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes really Id like to know exactly what that means
2006-11-28 02:40:27 · answer #7 · answered by lotusflower 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋