niijii
Ojibwe
Alternative forms
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.
See also
References
- The Ojibwe People's Dictionary https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/main-entry/niijii-nad