The English language has absorbed words from countless cultures and languages, but few have left such a vivid and unique imprint as Native American languages. From the names of states and animals to foods and weather phenomena, many common English words trace their roots back to the indigenous peoples of North America.
Here are some striking examples of how Native American languages continue to shape the words we use today.
Tobacco
The word “tobacco” is believed to come from the Arawakan languages spoken in the Caribbean. When Europeans first encountered indigenous peoples using this plant ceremonially and medicinally, they adopted the term. Tobacco soon spread globally, but its name remains a linguistic marker of its Native American roots.
Hurricane
“Hurricane” comes from the Taíno word hurakán, which referred to a powerful storm spirit or deity. When European explorers in the Caribbean encountered these devastating storms, they adopted the term. The word survives today in both meteorology and everyday conversation, particularly during storm season.
Moose
Derived from the Eastern Algonquian languages, likely from a word like moosu meaning “he strips off,” in reference to bark, “moose” refers to the largest member of the deer family in North America. It’s a purely Native American term with no European counterpart, and it remains unchanged in modern English.
Squash
This vegetable name comes from the Narragansett word askutasquash, meaning “a green thing eaten raw.” Early settlers adopted the term to describe several varieties of native gourds. Today, squash is a staple in many diets and cuisines, its name still echoing its indigenous origins.
Skunk
The word “skunk” comes from the Algonquian language, probably from seganku or a similar term meaning “urinating fox” or “one who squirts.” It’s a striking example of how descriptive Native American languages were in identifying local wildlife. The name stuck, just like the smell.
Chipmunk
The word “chipmunk” likely comes from an Ojibwe word such as ajidamoo, which means “one who descends trees headfirst.” These small rodents were well-known to Native American tribes for their quick movements and distinctive calls, and the name reflects an understanding of their behavior.
Canoe
“Canoe” comes from the Carib word kana:wa via Spanish and French translations. The canoe was a vital form of transportation for many Native American tribes, especially in regions with extensive waterways. The term entered European languages quickly due to its essential utility.
Barbecue
“Barbecue” comes from the Taíno word barbacoa, which referred to a wooden structure used to cook or smoke meat over fire. The concept and the word were picked up by Spanish explorers and eventually entered English, where it evolved into the beloved cooking method we know today.
Raccoon
The word “raccoon” comes from the Powhatan term aroughcun, meaning “he who scratches with his hands.” This reflects the raccoon’s distinctive behavior of washing or manipulating objects with its front paws. The English version of the word has been in use since the early colonial period.
Opossum
“Opossum” comes from the Virginia Algonquian word apasum, which means “white animal.” Early English settlers in the American South adopted the term for the native marsupial they encountered. It’s one of the oldest surviving Native American loanwords in English.
Pecans
“Pecan” is from an Algonquian word referring to nuts that need to be cracked with a stone. Native American tribes widely consumed pecans, and the word was passed to early European settlers along with knowledge of how to harvest and use them. Today, pecans are central to many American dishes, especially in the South.
