Ravel (Bolero) and the word "apache" in French?

Question

Maurice Ravel, composer of Bolero, was a member of a group of musicians and artists at the turn of the 19th Century who called themselves "apaches". Is this just a reference to Native Americans, or is there another meaning? Is the word even derived from the Indian reference or is it an entirely separate word? And is it pronounced with the e at the end spoken or silent ("Ah- pash" versus "A Pat- Cheee")?

Answer 1

Apparently it was turn of the century French slang for "hooligans." Yes, it came from the Native American nation of Apaches.

The name was taken up by the group after inadvertently bumping into a newspaper seller who exclaimed "Attention les apaches". That would be "Watch it, hooligans!" They soon adapted the name, meaning hooligans.

Answer 2

I think it's with 3 syllables.
The story of the origin of the name is here and somewhat matches the then held belief (which persisted well into the 1960s) of Native Americans as uncivilized barbarians only out to destroy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Apaches

Answer 3

in french apache means "enemy" becuase im 1/4 apache indian so when i looked it up it said in french it meens enemy