What I remember from my Oklahoma upbringing is that one of the few terms I learned regarding non-native Americans was “Wazichun,” pronounced “Wah-Zee-choon”which actually translates as “eaters of fat.” The only places I heard them called “palefaces” or “white eyes” were in Hollywood movies and tv shows. By the way, I picked up that word from the people in the northern plains. People from other areas of this country may have other words, but I have never heard “paleface” in even some of the more critical conversations. I have heard the term, “white people” or “white folks” a number of times.
@ Daniel, Yeah, holywood has really screwed up a lot of people. There is so much misinformation out there that our society is pretty much jacked up. Look anywhere you want and you see it. Indians, guns, sounds, historical events….
@ASH, And I agree with the health issues, many of the soldiers were pretty rough, but, I suspect, they were more accustomed to the life than we can imagine. I have pictures of my relatives as far back as my 2nd great grandfather who was a soldier as well. He was one thin dude…
Daniel Jacobson over 8 years ago
What I remember from my Oklahoma upbringing is that one of the few terms I learned regarding non-native Americans was “Wazichun,” pronounced “Wah-Zee-choon”which actually translates as “eaters of fat.” The only places I heard them called “palefaces” or “white eyes” were in Hollywood movies and tv shows. By the way, I picked up that word from the people in the northern plains. People from other areas of this country may have other words, but I have never heard “paleface” in even some of the more critical conversations. I have heard the term, “white people” or “white folks” a number of times.
Flatlander, purveyor of fine covfefe over 8 years ago
Inuit called the first white man kabloona or ‘dog face’ because of the facial hair.
gmoldmule over 8 years ago
@ Daniel, Yeah, holywood has really screwed up a lot of people. There is so much misinformation out there that our society is pretty much jacked up. Look anywhere you want and you see it. Indians, guns, sounds, historical events….
@ASH, And I agree with the health issues, many of the soldiers were pretty rough, but, I suspect, they were more accustomed to the life than we can imagine. I have pictures of my relatives as far back as my 2nd great grandfather who was a soldier as well. He was one thin dude…
Zen-of-Zinfandel over 8 years ago
It’s sundown (5 o’clock) somewhere: rocky mountain oysters and Colt 45 malt liquor.
neverenoughgold over 8 years ago
Today in Minnesota at least, we affectionally refer to American Indians as “those who hold the sacred gaming rights”…
Pedmar Premium Member over 8 years ago
The Pawnee called white people “Big Knife.”