"I haven't seen you in a coon's age!"

[bertha katzenengel]

Did I just totally effing embarrass the hell out of myself? I said this to an African-American woman, one of our receptionists who's been banished to our new location down the block.

Does the quoted phrase refer to the longevity of raccoons? Please, oh, please tell me I didn't just use a racial slur.

[ET Awful]

1. I think it does indeed refer to the wild critter and is not a racial slur

If it doesn't, I've been wrong for a mighty long time :)

edit: http://www.answers.com/topic/coon-s-age

edit no. 2: A google search shoes several references to etymologists stating that the term pre-dates the usage of the word "coon" as a slur.


I think you're safe.

[Saphire]

13. agreed

[CBGLuthier]

2. non racial acording to the straight dope

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcoonsage.html

It actually refers to raccoons. The expression "in a coon's age" dates to the early 1800s, and to the folk belief that raccoons are long-lived. My pal Colibri of the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board says, "References differ, but a wild individual raccoon might live up to 5 to 7 years (average survival being much lower, though, probably 2-3 years), and in captivity they can live up to 14-17 years. So their lifespan is comparable to that of a dog."

In the early 1800s, it's doubtful if anyone knew how long raccoons actually lived, and two to three years in the wild is not really very long. But raccoon fur is hardy and reasonably durable, which might have given rise to the belief of longevity.

Many slang terms use the term "coon" to mean raccoon. Their black eye-mask and nocturnal habits suggest anthropomorphic parallels, so we get the term "coon" meaning to steal or pilfer, for instance. The word also was used in the 1830s to mean a rustic, a country-bumpkin. In 1840, the coon was the figurehead of the Whig Party. (Where are the Whigs now when we need them?)

[Booster]

3. I think it does refer to the critter also, but don't think you should

use this greeting in the same manner again. ha We've all done something really stupid like this; what matters is how the lady responded.

[madinmaryland]

4. While the phrase you mentioned may not be derogatory,

the use of "coon's" around African-Americans is offensive. African Americans have been referred to in that as a derogative.

[Taverner]

5. Too close for comfort

Not offenseive, but similar how I would never call a miserly person of African American descent "niggardly"

[Richardo]

8. That was my thought too

Whether is technically OK may not matter if the person's perception is that it's a slur.

Sorry, bertha. WE all know you didn't mean it that way. :hug:

[JimmyJazz]

6. Aren't you a little young to even be aware of that expression?

Don't sweat it. If she is someone who knows you, I'm sure she knows you didn't say it to offend.

[Misunderestimator]

7. If it were me, I would go back and explain what you meant...

you never know how it might have been taken, and she probably wouldn't tell you if she took offense. I doubt that the phrase itself is racist, but the word "coon" certainly is. Just explain that you thought about it after you said it and that you wanted to make sure it wasn't taken in a racist way. I would anyway.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

9. I would also explain

We know you certainly didn't mean anything by that. But I agree with Misunderestimator on this one.

[enigmatic]

10. I'd explain myself

There phrase itself isn't, but "coon" by itself has been used by rascists. I know you didn't mean it that way and I'm sure she probably didn't either, but talk to her anyway so there's no doubt in her mind.

[Beware the Beast Man]

11. the phrase itself is not derogatory, but like everyone else said,

there's a chance it may taken that way. I know you meant no harm, and I'm sure she doesn't, either. :)

[bertha katzenengel]

12. All good info, all good advice, thanks to everyone.

I did instantly explain myself, there are no hard feelings. But I carry everything around for a long time... :eyes: