eskimo

The term eskimo has a complex and evolving history within the English language. Historically, it was used as a broad, collective noun to describe the indigenous peoples who inhabit the circumpolar regions of the northern hemisphere, spanning from eastern Siberia across Alaska and Northern Canada to Greenland. For centuries, Western explorers, anthropologists, and the general public used this word as the primary identifier for these diverse groups. However, the term is now widely regarded as outdated and, in many contexts, deeply offensive. The transition away from this word is not merely a matter of linguistic fashion but a significant movement toward cultural self-determination and accuracy. In contemporary English, especially in Canada and Greenland, the term has been largely replaced by 'Inuit,' which means 'the people' in the Inuktitut language. In Alaska, the situation is slightly more nuanced because the indigenous population includes both Inuit (Inupiat) and Yupik peoples, and 'eskimo' is sometimes still used to encompass both groups, though specific tribal names are always preferred. Understanding the weight of this word requires looking at its origins. While once thought to mean 'eaters of raw meat'—a translation now considered a derogatory myth—linguists today believe the word likely originated from an Innu-aimun word meaning 'net-weaver' or 'people who speak a different language.' Regardless of its true etymology, the colonial history of the word, being a name imposed by outsiders rather than chosen by the people themselves, is why it has fallen out of favor.

Historical Context

Used by European colonizers to group distinct Arctic cultures under a single, often misunderstood label.

When encountering this word today, it is almost always in a historical, academic, or critical context. You might see it in a museum exhibit discussing 19th-century expeditions, or in a linguistics paper referring to the 'Eskimo-Aleut' language family. However, in daily conversation, journalism, or government policy, its use is discouraged. Using the word today without acknowledging its controversial nature can signal a lack of cultural awareness or respect. In Canada, the term is considered a racial slur by many. In Greenland, the preferred term is 'Kalaallit.' Even in Alaska, where the term persists in some legal and organizational titles, there is a strong push toward using specific names like 'Inupiat,' 'Central Yup'ik,' or 'Alutiiq.' The shift reflects a broader global trend where indigenous groups reclaim their right to name themselves, moving away from exonyms (names given by outsiders) to endonyms (names used by the people themselves).

Modern Sensitivity

The term is increasingly categorized alongside other colonial-era labels that are no longer acceptable in polite or professional discourse.

Furthermore, the word has been embedded in various English idioms and product names, most of which have been changed in recent years. For example, the 'Eskimo Pie' ice cream brand was renamed to 'Edy's Pie' in 2020 to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Similarly, the 'Edmonton Eskimos' Canadian football team changed their name to the 'Edmonton Elks' after years of pressure from Inuit communities. These changes highlight the word's transition from a standard descriptor to a symbol of historical insensitivity. For a language learner, the most important takeaway is that while you must recognize the word to understand older texts, you should avoid using it in your own speech and writing unless you are specifically discussing the history of the term itself.

Linguistic Classification

In linguistics, 'Eskimo-Aleut' remains the technical name for the language family, though this is also under debate.

Using the word eskimo in a sentence requires extreme caution and context. Because it is largely considered an exonym—a name given to a group by outsiders—its modern usage is typically limited to discussions about the word itself, historical analysis, or specific scientific classifications. If you are writing a history paper about the 1800s, you might use it to describe how European explorers referred to the people they met. For instance: 'In his 1824 journal, the explorer documented his first encounter with the Eskimo tribes of the Hudson Bay.' In this case, the word is used to reflect the language of the time. However, if you were writing about those same people today, you would say: 'The Inuit communities of the Hudson Bay have a rich oral tradition.' The difference lies in whether you are quoting history or describing modern reality.

Historical Reference

Used when citing older documents or describing past perceptions.

Another context where you might see the word is in linguistics. Linguists often use the term 'Eskimo-Aleut' to refer to a specific language family that includes Inuktitut, Yup'ik, and Aleut. In this technical setting, the word is part of a formal taxonomic name. You might write: 'The phonology of the Eskimo-Aleut languages is known for its complex consonant clusters.' Even here, however, some scholars are moving toward terms like 'Inuit-Yupik-Unangan.' If you are a student of linguistics, you must use the term as it appears in your textbooks, but be prepared for it to change in future editions. In casual conversation, using the word to describe a person is generally seen as a mistake. Instead of saying 'I met an Eskimo man,' it is more accurate and respectful to say 'I met an Inuit man' or 'I met a person from the Yupik community.'

Scientific Usage

Found in biological or linguistic classifications, though these are also being updated.

In literature and film, the word often appears as a trope. You might analyze a book by saying: 'The author uses the Eskimo character as a symbol of 'the noble savage,' a common but problematic literary device.' Here, the word is used to critique a stereotype. It is also important to note that the word is a proper noun and should always be capitalized, even though its use is discouraged. Writing it in lowercase is grammatically incorrect. When teaching children about the Arctic, modern educators avoid the word entirely, focusing instead on the diversity of the Arctic peoples. A teacher might say: 'Let's learn about the Inuit people of Nunavut,' rather than 'Let's learn about the Eskimos.' This shift in educational language is crucial for preventing the continuation of outdated labels in younger generations.

Metalinguistic Use

Using the word to talk about the word itself, often to explain why it is no longer used.

In the 21st century, you are unlikely to hear the word eskimo in a respectful, modern conversation, but it still echoes in several specific areas of society. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in older media. If you watch classic films from the 1930s through the 1960s, or read adventure novels from the same era, the word is used frequently and without hesitation. In these contexts, it often accompanies stereotypical imagery—igloos, parkas, and dog sleds—that may not accurately represent the reality of Arctic life. For a language learner, hearing the word in an old movie like 'The Savage Innocents' (1960) provides a window into the linguistic norms of the past, but it should not be taken as a model for current speech. You will also hear the word in academic lectures, particularly those focused on the history of anthropology or the colonial history of the North. In these settings, the word is usually 'mentioned' rather than 'used'—meaning the speaker is talking about the word's history and the impact of its usage.

Archival Media

Found in documentaries, newsreels, and films produced before the late 20th century.

Another place the word persists is in Alaska. Unlike in Canada, where the term is almost universally rejected, some indigenous people in Alaska still use the word 'Eskimo' as a collective term that includes both the Inupiat and the Yupik. This is because there isn't a single native word that covers both groups. You might hear an Alaskan official or a member of an Alaskan native corporation use the term in a legal or political context. For example, the 'Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission' is a real organization that still uses the name. However, even in Alaska, the trend is shifting, and younger generations are much more likely to identify by their specific tribe. If you visit Alaska, you might hear the word used by locals, but as a visitor, it is still safer and more polite to use specific names or the general term 'Alaska Native.'

Legal and Institutional Names

Some established organizations in Alaska still retain the word in their official titles.

You may also encounter the word in the context of 'Eskimo kisses' (the act of rubbing noses together). While this is a common phrase in Western culture, it is based on a simplified and somewhat patronizing view of the 'kunik'—a traditional Inuit greeting that involves pressing the nose and upper lip against someone's skin and breathing in. While the phrase 'Eskimo kiss' is still heard in romantic or family contexts, many people now prefer to call it a 'kunik' or simply a 'nose rub' to avoid the outdated term. Finally, the word appears in the names of certain knots (the Eskimo bowline) or specialized equipment in very niche hobbies. In these cases, the name is a relic of a time when the word was the standard English term for anything related to the Arctic. As a learner, hearing these terms should be a signal to look for the modern equivalent.

Cultural Tropes

Commonly heard in phrases like 'Eskimo kiss,' though this is increasingly seen as a stereotype.

The most significant mistake a person can make with the word eskimo is using it as a generic, neutral term for anyone living in the Arctic. Because many English speakers grew up seeing this word in textbooks and cartoons, they may not realize that it has become a sensitive and often offensive term. The first mistake is over-generalization. The Arctic is home to many distinct cultures—Inuit, Yupik, Aleut, Saami, Nenets, and more. Using 'Eskimo' to describe all of them is like using 'European' to describe someone specifically from Italy; it ignores their unique identity and heritage. Even worse, it applies a label that many of these groups have explicitly asked people not to use. In Canada, using the word is not just a mistake; it is often viewed as a racial slur. If you are traveling in Canada or speaking with Canadians, you should avoid the word entirely and use 'Inuit' instead.

The 'Generic' Mistake

Assuming the word is a polite or scientific way to refer to Arctic peoples.

Another common mistake involves the etymology of the word. For a long time, it was taught that 'Eskimo' meant 'eater of raw meat' in a derogatory way. While this translation is likely incorrect, the belief that it means this has contributed to the word's offensive status. A mistake would be to try and 'defend' the word by arguing about its linguistic roots. Even if the word originally meant 'net-weaver,' the historical baggage of its use by colonizers makes the etymological argument irrelevant to most indigenous people. Another mistake is using the word in its adjectival form to describe objects or activities, such as 'Eskimo art' or 'Eskimo roll' (a kayaking technique). While these terms were standard for decades, they are being replaced. You should use 'Inuit art' or 'kayak roll' instead. Using the old terms can make your language sound dated and out of touch with modern standards of respect.

Etymological Defense

Trying to justify the word's use by pointing to its disputed origins rather than its social impact.

Confusion also arises from the word's continued use in some parts of Alaska. A learner might hear an Alaskan native use the word and think, 'Oh, so it's okay to use!' This is a mistake of register and identity. Just because a member of a community uses a term to describe themselves (an endonym) does not always mean it is appropriate for an outsider to use it. This is a common dynamic in many marginalized groups. Furthermore, the word is often used in the phrase 'Eskimo dog.' While this was once a recognized breed name, the American Kennel Club and other organizations have largely moved toward 'American Eskimo Dog' (which is actually a German Spitz breed, adding to the confusion) or 'Canadian Inuit Dog.' Using the term 'Eskimo dog' for a husky or malamute is factually imprecise and culturally outdated. Finally, failing to capitalize the word is a grammatical error, though it is a minor one compared to the social error of using the word inappropriately.

The 'In-Group' Mistake

Assuming that because some indigenous people use the term, it is acceptable for everyone to use it.

When looking for alternatives to the word eskimo, the most important rule is to be as specific as possible. The word was originally used as a 'catch-all' term, but modern English values precision and respect for individual tribal identities. The most common and widely accepted alternative is Inuit. This term refers to the indigenous peoples of Northern Canada, Greenland, and parts of Alaska. In Canada, 'Inuit' is the official term used by the government and the people themselves. It is a plural noun (the singular is 'Inuk'). If you are talking about someone from Greenland, the specific term is Kalaallit. Using these specific names shows that you have a deeper understanding of the region's geography and culture.

Inuit vs. Eskimo

'Inuit' is an endonym (their own name) and is preferred in Canada and Greenland. 'Eskimo' is an exonym (an outside name) and is often considered offensive.

In Alaska, the term Yup'ik (or Yupik) is essential. The Yup'ik people are distinct from the Inuit, and using 'Eskimo' to cover both groups is increasingly seen as inaccurate. Another important term is Inupiat, which refers to the Inuit people specifically living in Northern Alaska. If you are unsure of the specific tribe, the safest and most respectful general term is Indigenous Arctic peoples or Alaska Natives (if in the U.S.). These phrases acknowledge the indigenous status of the people without using a controversial or outdated label. In a broader North American context, terms like First Nations or Native Americans are used, but be careful: in Canada, 'Inuit' are distinct from 'First Nations,' so you should not use 'First Nations' to describe Inuit people.

Yup'ik vs. Inuit

These are two distinct cultural and linguistic groups. The word 'Eskimo' was historically used to group them together, but they are different.

For those interested in the linguistic side, the term Eskimo-Aleut is still used to describe the language family, but even here, alternatives like Inuit-Yupik-Unangan are gaining ground. In the world of sports and branding, you will see 'Elks' (as in the Edmonton Elks) or 'Arctic' (as in 'Arctic Winter Games') as replacements for the word. When describing the traditional homes of these peoples, instead of just 'igloo' (which is an Inuktitut word for any house), people now use more specific terms like qarmaq (a sod house) or snow house. By learning these alternatives, you not only avoid the pitfalls of using an offensive word but also enrich your vocabulary with terms that reflect the true diversity and complexity of the Arctic world.

Arctic Peoples

A broad, respectful term that covers all indigenous groups in the northern polar regions.