Re: Word of the day: ?Papoose?

On 4/09/2024 12:10 p.m., Peter Moylan wrote:

On 04/09/24 01:53, Steve Hayes wrote:
 

Yes, 'twas the Wikipedia reference that gave me the impression that
the "child" usage was common in the USA, and, as Peter Moylan points
out, in Australia. Elsewhere it seems to be understood primarily as
a child holder.

 Well, I'm not sure about "common in Australia". The word is rare here in
either meaning; we know it only from North American sources.

And let me point out that the North Americans themselves know it only from "certain sources". It's not an everyday word. It's part of a special vocabulary they have read or seen used (historically) with reference to Indians (along with "squaw", "brave", "wampum", "how!" and others). That's the reason for a certain vagueness about its meaning.

 I should also point out that my youngest child is 36 years old, so my
understanding of child carriers is a long way out of date. I do have
grandchildren, but I carry them in child seats that are installed over
the back seats of my car.