niijii

Ojibwe

Alternative forms

niij
niiji

Etymology

A vocative form perhaps derived from niijikiwenh (my brother)

Noun

niijii

my friend
Boozhoo niijii.
Hello, my friend.
a Native American

Usage notes

niijii is a form of direct address (vocative) traditionally used by men talking to each other.

It is also proposed by Native activists as a replacement for the terms "Indian" and "Native American". niijii can be used by any Native person to refer to themselves or their people, regardless of origin.

References

The Ojibwe People's Dictionary https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/main-entry/niijii-nad

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