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pickaninny

noun
pick·​a·​nin·​ny | \ ˈpi-kə-ˌni-nē How to pronounce pickaninny (audio) , ˌpi-kə-ˈni-\
variants: or picaninny
plural pickaninnies or picaninnies

Definition of pickaninny

dated, now offensive
—used as a term for a black child

First Known Use of pickaninny

1653, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pickaninny

probably ultimately from Portuguese pequenino, diminutive of pequeno small

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The first known use of pickaninny was in 1653

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