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pickaninny

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

variants: or picaninny

Definition of pickaninny

plural pickaninnies or picaninnies

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

First Known Use: 1653

in the meaning defined above

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