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pickaninny

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noun pick·a·nin·ny \ˈpi-kə-ˌni-nē, ˌpi-kə-ˈni-\

variants: or

picaninny

Definition of pickaninny

plural

pickaninies

dated, now offensive

—used as a term for a black child

Origin and Etymology of pickaninny

probably ultimately from Portuguese pequenino, diminutive of pequeno small

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