coonass

[ koon-as ]

noun

, Vulgar Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

1. (chiefly in Louisiana and southeast Texas) a Cajun.

Sensitive Note

This vulgar slang term is used with disparaging intent and is perceived as insulting. It is most likely not connected with the derogatory use of coon to refer to a Black person.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coonass¹

First recorded in 1960–65 or earlier; probably alteration, by folk etymology, of Louisiana French, French conasse a contemptuous term for a woman, literally, “vulva,” equivalent to con “vulva” (from Latin cunnus ) + -asse pejorative noun suffix

Example Sentences

“I was never angry at God. If not for God, I don’t think I would’ve made it at all. I was never angry at the guy that shot me. I just figured he had a problem. I’m very positive, my life is good. “I’m a coonass,” she added with a giggle.

From Washington Times

It takes an uncommonly big man to run a state like Texas, or "Coonass country," as the Governor calls its rural hinterland.

From Time Magazine Archive