How Do You Spell PICKANINNY?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪkɐnˌɪni] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "pickaninny" is unusual and can be difficult to understand. IPA phonetic transcription can help explain it: /ˌpɪkəˈnɪni/. The first syllable "pik" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a stressed second syllable "a-ninny" with a long "i" sound. The word is considered offensive and should be avoided. It was historically used as a derogatory term to describe young Black children. It is important to use language that is respectful and inclusive to all people.

Common Misspellings for PICKANINNY

• oickaninny
• lickaninny
• -ickaninny
• 0ickaninny
• puckaninny
• pjckaninny
• pkckaninny
• pockaninny
• p9ckaninny
• p8ckaninny
• pixkaninny
• pivkaninny
• pifkaninny
• pidkaninny
• picjaninny
• picmaninny
• piclaninny
• picoaninny
• picianinny
• pickzninny

Etymology of PICKANINNY

The word "pickaninny" is a derogatory term that originated in the United States during the 19th century. Its etymology is unclear and debated, but there are a few proposed theories:

1. Pidgin English: Some argue that the term is derived from Pidgin English, a simplified form of English used by both African slaves and European colonists, where the word "pickaninny" might have been an alteration of the Portuguese word "pequenino", meaning "small" or "young".

2. West African languages: Another theory suggests that "pickaninny" could have roots in West African languages. Some similarities have been noted with the Igbo language from Nigeria, where "ikinini" means "small child".

Similar spelling words for PICKANINNY

• piccaninny,
• picaninny.

Plural form of PICKANINNY is PICKANINNIES