Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Alright southern boys, wtf is a “coonass “??

Coonass is a controversial term in the Cajun lexicon: to some Cajuns it is regarded as the supreme ethnic slur, meaning \"ignorant, backwards Cajun\"; to others the term is a badge of pride, much like the word Chicano is for Mexican Americans. In South Louisiana, for example, one can often see bumper stickers reading \"Warning — Coonass on Board!\" or \"Registered Coonass\" (both of which generally depict a raccoon’s backside). The word’s origin is unclear: folk etymology claims that coonass dates from World War II, when Cajun GIs serving in France were derided by native French speakers as conasse, meaning \"dirty whore\" or \"idiot.\" Non-French-speaking American GIs allegedly overheard the expression, converted it to the English \"coonass,\" and introduced the term back in the United States. There it supposedly soon caught on as a derisive term among non-Cajuns, who encountered many Cajuns in Gulf Coast oilfields. It is now known, however, that coonass predated the arrival of Cajun GIs in France during World War II, which undermines the conasse theory. Indeed, folklorist Barry Jean Ancelet has long rejected this theory, calling it \"shaky linguistics at best.\" He has suggested that the word originated in South Louisiana, and that it derived from the belief that Cajuns frequently ate raccoons. He has also proposed that the term contains a negative racial connotation: namely, that Cajuns were \"beneath\" or \"under\" blacks (or coons, as blacks were often called by racists). Despite efforts by Cajun activists like James Domengeaux and Warren A. Perrin to stamp out the term’s use, coonass continues to circulate in South Louisiana and beyond. Its acceptability among the general public, however, tends to vary according to circumstances, and often depends on who says it and with what intention. Cajuns who dislike the term have been known to correct well-meaning outsiders who use the epithet.

by pastorchik September 29, 2003

Texon, surely you jest. I think there’s a misunderstanding in reference to bag limits. For instance we have a 60 day duck season at 6 ducks a day, that’s 360 ducks a year. You not limited out until you reach 360. And btw I damn sure aint no coonass.

A coonass is like a redneck, but without the intelligence.

I just know that in certain circles in Louisiana it is not highly regarded. Results vary considerably.

Like where in the state you happen to be....

DF

I've worked and lived among them for 39 years. If you don't belittle them they will treat you like family. If you belittle them they will Screw you every chance they get from now on. They have an inferiority problem. They know their ancestors were driven out of Canada as undesirables years ago. They are loyal people if they trust you and.count you as a friend.

Absolutely.

Show them true friendship and respect, you'll have no better friend.

Pizz on'em and they'll reciprocate with interest.

BTW, here in Central Louisiana, many Avoylles Parish natives trace their heritage from France, not Nova Scotia. So, techically, although they're French, they're not true Cajuns, but no one around here spits hairs over fine points.

I've been called a Coonazz by friends from other states, even here on the Fire. But I'm about as Anglo as one can get. Still from Louisiana, one can expect to be labeled Cajun/Coonazz. It goes with the territory. To me, it'a a badge of honor.

DF

Why were they driven from Canada?

I think it had to do with the French and Indian wars and conflicts thereafter.

The British forces overpowered the French forces and the Brits expelled the French locals from the area.

Friends who have visited that part of Canada report seeing French Cajun names among the current inhabitants. Maybe the Brits didn't get them all expatriated.

Reportedly it was a hard time for them, many died. Those that made it must have been a tough bunch. And, seems that heritage persists to this day.

DF

It looks like the history has been covered. Is there something in particular that somebody wants to know?

If I remember my geography, Florida is in the south. If you from the south, you can't help it, but if you moved to the south.....what kind of smart are you? LOL

Is a Cajun still a Cajun after he crosses the Sabine?



DF

Or asked another way. How far from the LA border does he have to be before y'all let him call himself a Texican...?

DF