Definitions by Nootkasavage659
Nootka/Nootkan
Noun (slang)
A reclaimed slang term used between Native/Indigenous people as a friendly way of referring to one another, similar to how some communities reclaim words as terms of solidarity and familiarity.
The word “Nootka” comes from the colonial name historically applied to the Nuu-chah-nulth people. According to a widely shared Nuu-chah-nulth account, European explorers misunderstood the word “Nootka’is,” which was being called out to direct a ship away from a reef, and mistakenly believed it was the name of the people.
This slang reclaims that colonial label and gives it a new meaning: a Native friend, relative, or fellow Indigenous person.
A reclaimed slang term used between Native/Indigenous people as a friendly way of referring to one another, similar to how some communities reclaim words as terms of solidarity and familiarity.
The word “Nootka” comes from the colonial name historically applied to the Nuu-chah-nulth people. According to a widely shared Nuu-chah-nulth account, European explorers misunderstood the word “Nootka’is,” which was being called out to direct a ship away from a reef, and mistakenly believed it was the name of the people.
This slang reclaims that colonial label and gives it a new meaning: a Native friend, relative, or fellow Indigenous person.
Nootka/Nootkan
Examples:
1. “Rez bro #1: ‘Who’s that?’ Rez bro #2: ‘That’s my Nootka.’”
2. “A: ‘What’s up, Nootka?’ B: ‘Not much, Nootka.’”
3. “‘All my Nootkas are coming over later.’”
4. “‘Only Nootkas would get this joke.’”
Examples:
1. “Rez bro #1: ‘Who’s that?’ Rez bro #2: ‘That’s my Nootka.’”
2. “A: ‘What’s up, Nootka?’ B: ‘Not much, Nootka.’”
3. “‘All my Nootkas are coming over later.’”
4. “‘Only Nootkas would get this joke.’”
Nootka/Nootkan by Nootkasavage659 July 13, 2026