coon

word

Definition

'Coon' is an informal, old-fashioned word for a raccoon. However, it is also a very offensive and racist slur for Black people in the United States.

Usage & Nuances

WARNING: As a slur, 'coon' is extremely offensive and should never be used. Only use for the animal meaning (raccoon), which is now rare in modern English; in conversation, 'raccoon' is preferred. Never use when talking about people.

Spanish: mapache - término ofensivo (racismo)Portuguese (BR): guaxinim - termo ofensivo (racismo)Portuguese (PT): guaxinim - termo ofensivo (racismo)Chinese (Simplified): 浣熊 - 侮辱性词语（种族主义）Chinese (Traditional): 浣熊 - 侮辱性詞語（種族主義）Hindi: रैकून - अपमानजनक शब्द (नस्लवाद)Arabic: راكون - تعبير مهين (عنصري)Bengali: র্যাকুন - (অসম্মানজনক বর্ণবাদী গালি)Russian: енот - (оскорбительное расистское слово)Japanese: アライグマ - （侮辱的な差別用語）Vietnamese: gấu mèo - (từ miệt thị, phân biệt chủng tộc)Korean: 너구리 - (모욕적이고 인종차별적인 비하어)Turkish: rakun - (aşağılayıcı ırkçı bir hakaret)Urdu: رَیکوْن - (توہین آمیز نسل پرستانہ لفظ)Indonesian: rakun - (istilah rasis yang sangat menghina)

Example Sentences

I saw a coon in the backyard last night.

basic

The hunter set a trap for a coon.

basic

Many people now use the word 'raccoon' instead of coon.

basic

Be careful—coon can be a very offensive word if used to describe a person.

natural

Some old stories call the animal a coon, but that's not common anymore.

natural

Honestly, it's best to avoid using coon and stick with 'raccoon'.

natural