Indian giver

noun

, Informal: Often Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a person who gives a gift and then takes it back.

Indian giver

noun

1. offensive.
   a person who asks for the return of a present he has given

Sensitive Note

The term Indian giver is now perceived as insulting to American Indians. While it originally referred to a Native practice of giving a gift and expecting an equivalent gift in return, the dissociation of the expression from any authentic custom and its subsequent association with the dishonorable or deceptive behavior of others is disrespectful to Native American peoples and their cultures. Indian.

Derived Forms

• Indian giving, noun

Other Words From

• Indian giving noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian giver¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

One who takes or demands back one's gift to another, as in Jimmy wanted to take back Dan's birthday present, but Mom said that would make him an Indian giver . This term, now considered offensive, originally alluded to the Native American practice of expecting a gift in return for one that is given. [ Colloquial ; early 1800s]

Example Sentences

In like manner I must confess that I am an Indian giver.

From Project Gutenberg

The politically incorrect epithet “Indian giver” can be traced to the common practice among Native Americans who often occupied land temporarily and traded reciprocal rights to live and hunt there with other tribes.

From New York Times

"Take your scarf pin, Indian giver," jeered Hippy, holding out a small package, then jerking it back again.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember, when a child, that when one gave his brother a ball, or anything, and took it back again, he was called "an Indian giver."

From Project Gutenberg

It was then that Mary had called her Indian giver.

From Project Gutenberg