Squaw
noun
A term used to refer to North American Indian woman or wife.
The squaw is preparing meals for the family.

Often appears as...
- the squaw is
- squaw preparing
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
noun
A term used to refer to North American Indian woman or wife.
The squaw is preparing meals for the family.

Often appears as...
- the squaw is
- squaw preparing
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 1

Offensive Term
The word 'squaw' is considered derogatory and should be avoided in contemporary language.

N/A
Historical Context
Originally used by Algonquian speakers, 'squaw' has been ingrained in historical texts but now viewed as outdated.

N/A
Media Portrayal
Some old Western movies and books use 'squaw' to describe Native American women, reflecting an older cultural perspective.

The movie depicted a 'squaw' living in the tribe's village.
Offensive Term
The word 'squaw' is considered derogatory and should be avoided in contemporary language.

N/A
Historical Context
Originally used by Algonquian speakers, 'squaw' has been ingrained in historical texts but now viewed as outdated.

N/A
Media Portrayal
Some old Western movies and books use 'squaw' to describe Native American women, reflecting an older cultural perspective.

The movie depicted a 'squaw' living in the tribe's village.
Offensive Term
The word 'squaw' is considered derogatory and should be avoided in contemporary language.

N/A
Historical Context
Originally used by Algonquian speakers, 'squaw' has been ingrained in historical texts but now viewed as outdated.

N/A
Media Portrayal
Some old Western movies and books use 'squaw' to describe Native American women, reflecting an older cultural perspective.

The movie depicted a 'squaw' living in the tribe's village.
Quote examples
Rita Moreno
Puerto Rican Actress
I knew what my scripts would say before I opened them: 'Enter Conchita.' I played handmaidens, Indian squaws, and Mexican dancers.

Quote examples
Conchata Ferrell
That explains how I got the name Conchata. It was the name of an Apache squaw in the book mother was reading.

Quote examples
Rita Moreno
Puerto Rican Actress
I knew what my scripts would say before I opened them: 'Enter Conchita.' I played handmaidens, Indian squaws, and Mexican dancers.

Quote examples
Conchata Ferrell
That explains how I got the name Conchata. It was the name of an Apache squaw in the book mother was reading.

Example 1 of 2
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