papoose

noun

pa·​poose pa-ˈpüs 

pə-

plural papooses

1

dated, offensive; see usage paragraph below : an Indigenous baby or young child of North America

2

chiefly British, sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : a baby carrier (see baby carrier sense 1) that usually consists of a cloth pouch, wrap, or sling for wearing around the torso

She carried her three-month-old tot Apollo in a leopard print papoose, while wearing an all-black ensemble.

—Rebecca Davison

The star gave birth to a daughter … and clearly dotes on the newborn, carrying her around New York in a furry papoose.

—Tamara Abraham

Usage of Papoose

The use of papoose in the meaning shown above at sense 1 is regarded as offensive. While use of the term to refer to a style of baby carrier is common, especially in British English, this use is also sometimes regarded as offensive due to its association with sense 1.

Word History

Etymology

Narragansett papoòs

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

papoose

noun

pa·​poose pa-ˈpüs 

pə-

often offensive

: an Indigenous baby or young child of North America