piccaninny

/ ˌpɪkəˈnɪnɪ /

noun

1. offensive.
   a small Black or Aboriginal child
2. modifier tiny

   a piccaninny fire won't last long

Word History and Origins

Origin of piccaninny¹

C17: perhaps from Portuguese pequenino tiny one, from pequeno small

Example Sentences

Piccaninny, Pickaninny, pik′a-nin-i, n. a little child: an African or negro child.

From Project Gutenberg

Piccaninny's black shanks and pink heels flew up and out, and he was away like a flash.

From Project Gutenberg

It was then the Piccaninny woke up because the bough had ceased to sway gently up and down.

From Project Gutenberg

And I've been asleep with my head upon my dear, naughty old Bear, with all my animals and the Piccaninny round me.

From Project Gutenberg

However, the Piccaninny and the Rabbit soon began a firm friendship by playfully jogging one another over.

From Project Gutenberg