1 definition by History Doctor
In 1812 (from 1683 as 'Ingin'), a spelling representing the early American English colloquial pronunciation of Indian. "Honest Injun" as an asseveration of truthfulness was first recorded in 1868, from the notion of assurance extracted from Indians of their lack of deceitfulness in a particular situation. The noun phrase "honest Indian" itself is attested from 1676 in Massachusetts.
John T. McCutcheon, wrote and Illustrated "Injun Summer" in 1907 for the Chicago Tribune. It was reprinted yearly.
by History Doctor October 15, 2022