What is an Indian giver?
What is an Indian giver?
Indian giver is an offensive term used to describe someone who gave a
present and then wants it back. The Indian giver does not necessarily
want the same gift back, but does expect something of equal value back.
Research Maniacs thinks the term is unfair to the Native Americans. The term
simply came about because of a misunderstanding. Before the Europeans came
to America, the Native Americans economy was based on bartering. They traded
goods and services instead of using money.
When the Europeans came to
America, the Indians naturally wanted to trade with them. However, Europeans thought
the Indians were giving them gifts because they were so special, when it
turns out that the Indians really wanted to trade and barter with the products the Europeans
brought. This misunderstanding caused Europeans to unfairly call the attempt to
barter an "Indian gift."
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