pickaninny

noun

pick·​a·​nin·​ny ˈpi-kə-ˌni-nē How to pronounce pickaninny (audio)
ˌpi-kə-ˈni-
variants or less commonly picaninny
plural pickaninnies also picaninnies
dated, offensive
—used as a term for a Black child

Word History

Etymology

probably ultimately from Portuguese pequenino, diminutive of pequeno small

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pickaninny was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near pickaninny

pick-and-shovel

pickaninny

pick apart

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pickaninny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pickaninny. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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