squaw
word
Definition
A highly offensive and outdated word that was once used to refer to Native American women. Today it is considered a slur and should not be used.
Usage & Nuances
Extremely offensive racial slur; avoid entirely in speech and writing. In educational or historical contexts, only mention to clarify its inappropriate use. Has been removed from place names in the U.S. and Canada. Never use to describe people.
Spanish: squaw (término ofensivo para mujer indígena)Portuguese (BR): squaw (termo ofensivo para mulher indígena)Portuguese (PT): squaw (termo ofensivo para mulher indígena)Chinese (Simplified): squaw（对印第安女性的冒犯性用语）Chinese (Traditional): squaw（對美洲原住民女性的冒犯性用語）Hindi: squaw (आदिवासी महिला के लिए आपत्तिजनक शब्द)Arabic: squaw (مصطلح مسيء للمرأة الأمريكية الأصلية)Bengali: স্কো (আপত্তিকর শব্দ)Russian: скво (оскорбительное слово)Japanese: スクウォー（差別用語）Vietnamese: squaw (từ xúc phạm)Korean: 스콰우(모욕적인 단어)Turkish: squaw (aşağılayıcı ifade)Urdu: سکوا (توہین آمیز لفظ)Indonesian: squaw (kata hinaan)
Example Sentences
Squaw was once used in many place names.
basic
Please do not use the word squaw.
basic
If you see squaw in an old book, remember it's not okay to use today.
natural
The word squaw is not acceptable today.
basic
Many Native Americans find squaw deeply insulting.
natural
They changed the name of the lake to remove the word squaw.
natural