Pronunciation: [pˈɔːniː] (IPA) 
The word "pawnee" is often misspelled as "pawnee" due to its unique pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈpɔni/. The /n/ at the end is important because it distinguishes it from the word "pony" which is similar in spelling and pronunciation. The sound /ɔ/ represents the vowel sound in "caught" and "thought". The pronunciation of "pawnee" is actually closer to "pawn-ee" rather than "pa-nee".
Pawnee refers to both a Native American tribe and their language, as well as the name of a city located in Nebraska, United States.
As a tribe, the Pawnee people have a rich history that dates back centuries. They are a federally recognized tribe and are a part of the larger Caddoan linguistic family. They traditionally inhabited the Great Plains region, primarily in what is now Nebraska. The Pawnee people were skilled farmers, known for cultivating maize, beans, and squash, and also relied on bison hunting for sustenance. They had a complex social structure and were organized into various bands. Unfortunately, their population declined significantly due to diseases and conflicts with European settlers.
The Pawnee language, also known as Pawnee or Caddoan, is an indigenous language spoken by the Pawnee people. It is a member of the Caddoan language family, which also includes the languages of the Arikara, Wichita, and Kansa tribes. The language is characterized by its complex verb morphology, rich vowel system, and extensive use of prefixes and suffixes.
The term "Pawnee" can also refer to the city located in Nebraska, which is named after the tribe. It is a small city situated in Pawnee County and has a population of approximately 900 residents. The city serves as the county seat and is notable for its historic courthouse and various recreational activities, such as fishing and boating, as it is located near the Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area.
One who receives property in pawn.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Pawnee" comes from the name the Pawnee people have for themselves, which is "Chahiksichahiks" or "Parikiis". The term "Pawnee" is an anglicized version of the name, which was likely derived from the Omaha-Ponca word "páni", meaning "horn", referring to the characteristic hairstyle of Pawnee warriors. The Pawnee are a Native American tribe historically living in the Great Plains of North America.
