Skip to main content

indian giver

Indian Giver
There are two popular etymologies for this term for a person who gives a gift only to later demand its return. The first is that it is based on an unfair stereotype of Native Americans, that they don't keep their word. In the other popular explanation, the term doesn't cast aspersions on Native Americans, instead it echoes the broken promises the whites made to the Indians. Neither is accurate, although the first is closer to the truth.
Instead the term comes from different commercial practices. To the Native Americans, who had no concept of money or currency, gifts were a form of trade goods, of exchange. One didn't give a gift without expecting one of equivalent value in return. If one could not offer an equivalent return gift, the original gift would be refused or returned. To the Europeans, who with their monetary-based trade practices, this seemed low and insulting, gifts were not for trade but were to be freely given.

The noun Indian gift dates to 1765. Indian giver follows about a century later in 1865. Originally, these reflected simply the expectation of a return gift. By the 1890s, the sense had shifted to mean one who demands a gift back.
by Divaznc1 June 22, 2004
mugGet the indian giver mug.

I don't give two shits

Way of saying, I really could care less for this shit, and shut the fuck up. Wrapped up in one little phrase.
Dude #1: Hey, can you go water my plants while I'm gone?

Dude #2: I don't give two shits about your damn plants!
by Waffleboy2c7 March 27, 2010
mugGet the I don't give two shits mug.

give you the drum

1. To give someone the honest truth, usually in a blunt, straightforward manner.
2. Said at the end of a sentence to confirm truthfulness, seriousness or sincerity
She had big, juicy tits, ill give you the drum
by Michael Rose July 15, 2007
mugGet the give you the drum mug.

give off

verb: to give off about something, is to complain about something.
Alan Greene was giving off about the referee on 5live again last night.

Don't give off about England being shit at rugby.
by petaclaaaak November 3, 2007
mugGet the give off mug.

give me a five

To hit the inside of someone's hand with your hand to show that you're very pleased about something. See also "roots me again".
by Dino March 11, 2005
mugGet the give me a five mug.

Givenistic

When something is overtly apparent or obvious
Tom "What's the capital of France?"
John "Paris, that's pretty givenistic tbh"
by TomRobbo February 3, 2009
mugGet the Givenistic mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email