Why is it called an “Indian file”?
I recently came across a US phrase, Indian file. This is utterly unheard of in the UK, and probably outside North America; at least I’ve certainly never heard of it. The phrase would be expressed in British English as single file. Why is it called Indian file in the US? I’m guessing the phrase has something to do with the prevalence of Amerindians, but I can’t see any obvious etymology.
etymology phrases american-english canadian-english north-american-english
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
|
show 9 more comments
I recently came across a US phrase, Indian file. This is utterly unheard of in the UK, and probably outside North America; at least I’ve certainly never heard of it. The phrase would be expressed in British English as single file. Why is it called Indian file in the US? I’m guessing the phrase has something to do with the prevalence of Amerindians, but I can’t see any obvious etymology.
etymology phrases american-english canadian-english north-american-english
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
2
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
3
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
4
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
1
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
1
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02
|
show 9 more comments
I recently came across a US phrase, Indian file. This is utterly unheard of in the UK, and probably outside North America; at least I’ve certainly never heard of it. The phrase would be expressed in British English as single file. Why is it called Indian file in the US? I’m guessing the phrase has something to do with the prevalence of Amerindians, but I can’t see any obvious etymology.
etymology phrases american-english canadian-english north-american-english
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
I recently came across a US phrase, Indian file. This is utterly unheard of in the UK, and probably outside North America; at least I’ve certainly never heard of it. The phrase would be expressed in British English as single file. Why is it called Indian file in the US? I’m guessing the phrase has something to do with the prevalence of Amerindians, but I can’t see any obvious etymology.
etymology phrases american-english canadian-english north-american-english
etymology phrases american-english canadian-english north-american-english
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
edited Oct 27 '12 at 0:56
tchrist♦
108k28290463
108k28290463
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
asked Jun 16 '11 at 18:46
Jez
8,2812276116
8,2812276116
2
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
3
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
4
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
1
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
1
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02
|
show 9 more comments
2
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
3
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
4
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
1
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
1
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02
2
2
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
3
3
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
4
4
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
1
1
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
1
1
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02
|
show 9 more comments
9 Answers
9
active
oldest
votes
Presumably because this is the way the settlers thought American Indians walked on trails through the forest. They probably did; if you have narrow trails, this is the only comfortable way to walk them. By the way, in my experience, it's not "an Indian file"; unlike "single file", "Indian file" is not used as a noun.
They walked Indian file.
or ... arranged Indian file.
but not
*They formed an Indian file.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
add a comment |
Indians in file:
Canadians in file:
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
add a comment |
Just as a point of information, I've lived all my life in the USA, most of it in Oklahoma where (American) Indian peoples are more than 10% of the population and culturally very prominent. To my knowledge I have never before heard that term.
If I had to hazard a guess, this probably relates to the way some particular tribe used to wage war. A lot of tribes looked at warfare as a very stylized affair, much like Europeans did in the Middle Ages. You'd typically get more glory by running up and slapping one of the enemy than by actually killing them (as this was actually more difficult). However, Indians were/are not one people with one coherent culture, so these things can vary quite a bit.
So the term is probably a regionalism.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
add a comment |
I've lived in Ireland all my life, and am familiar with this term. I wouldn't have thought of it as an Americanism, though I did know it refers to/derives from "American Indians", not Indian Indians. I don't know what the geographic spread of the phrase is, but I'm nearly certain it's popped up in British children's books.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
add a comment |
Just read this in Age of Anxiety (WH Auden, 1947):
"Along the esker
Following a fox with our fingers crossed
Or after an ogre in Indian file,
We stole with our sticks through a still world of
Hilarious light . . ."
Auden puts these words in the mouth of an English woman living in New York, who is recounting a childhood memory. And of course Auden himself was English-born. That would suggest to me that the term was known in UK English usage.
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
add a comment |
I was born and raised in the UK and have long known this term, though most likely through my fairly wide lifelong reading. As already noted, the term has the same meaning as "single file". In fact, it is also syntactically equivalent: both are used adverbially. E.g.
To walk (in) single file.
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
add a comment |
I am surprised no one has mentioned this so far: In the U.S. a common saying is
single file, Indian style
which might be used, say, as an indication to other members of a group walking together to use a single file. A native of the western U.S., I've never before heard the term Indian file, though.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
add a comment |
Boston Public Schools (i.e., Boston, Massachusetts, USA), 1950s, commonly used by teachers to instruct children to single-file (used here as a verb).
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
add a comment |
Because that is how the Red Indians hunted — one after the other — following the trail of the animals.
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
add a comment |
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9 Answers
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Presumably because this is the way the settlers thought American Indians walked on trails through the forest. They probably did; if you have narrow trails, this is the only comfortable way to walk them. By the way, in my experience, it's not "an Indian file"; unlike "single file", "Indian file" is not used as a noun.
They walked Indian file.
or ... arranged Indian file.
but not
*They formed an Indian file.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
add a comment |
Presumably because this is the way the settlers thought American Indians walked on trails through the forest. They probably did; if you have narrow trails, this is the only comfortable way to walk them. By the way, in my experience, it's not "an Indian file"; unlike "single file", "Indian file" is not used as a noun.
They walked Indian file.
or ... arranged Indian file.
but not
*They formed an Indian file.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
add a comment |
Presumably because this is the way the settlers thought American Indians walked on trails through the forest. They probably did; if you have narrow trails, this is the only comfortable way to walk them. By the way, in my experience, it's not "an Indian file"; unlike "single file", "Indian file" is not used as a noun.
They walked Indian file.
or ... arranged Indian file.
but not
*They formed an Indian file.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
Presumably because this is the way the settlers thought American Indians walked on trails through the forest. They probably did; if you have narrow trails, this is the only comfortable way to walk them. By the way, in my experience, it's not "an Indian file"; unlike "single file", "Indian file" is not used as a noun.
They walked Indian file.
or ... arranged Indian file.
but not
*They formed an Indian file.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
edited Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
answered Jun 16 '11 at 18:57
Peter Shor
61.6k5117220
61.6k5117220
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
add a comment |
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
2
2
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
That's true. Indian file is an adverb, not a noun. I hadn't thought of that.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 16 '11 at 19:02
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
@Jez, it's not related to hunting: the idea was that the crafty, naturally warrior-gifted natives walk "indian-file" because in that way nobody knows how many warriors there are in the group. Furthermore, you're supposed to go in the footsteps of the next person. This idea, "single-file" is a completely normal technique used today by military people, "special forces" and the like from time to time...single-file or Indian-file.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:18
1
1
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
Regarding why it's so common in Britain, children's books etc .. of course, the kids do it in Peter Pan (even in the Disney movie) when they are sneaking around - a big cultural reference.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:19
1
1
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
The OED has: “Indian file, the same as single file, so called because the North American Indians usually march in this order.” Reading further, it seems that Indian as a prefix is, or at least was once used, to mean North American in a more general sense than one specially referencing its autochthonous peoples alone.
– tchrist♦
Aug 19 '12 at 15:44
add a comment |
Indians in file:
Canadians in file:
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
add a comment |
Indians in file:
Canadians in file:
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
add a comment |
Indians in file:
Canadians in file:
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
Indians in file:
Canadians in file:
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
edited 8 hours ago
Glorfindel
5,99383338
5,99383338
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:10
mplungjan
27.5k371108
27.5k371108
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
add a comment |
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
5
5
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Must upvote this for the pictures!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:18
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
Indeed, notice that the painting at top has nothing to do with going animal hunting!!! They're off to attack the white invaders - war.
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:20
add a comment |
Just as a point of information, I've lived all my life in the USA, most of it in Oklahoma where (American) Indian peoples are more than 10% of the population and culturally very prominent. To my knowledge I have never before heard that term.
If I had to hazard a guess, this probably relates to the way some particular tribe used to wage war. A lot of tribes looked at warfare as a very stylized affair, much like Europeans did in the Middle Ages. You'd typically get more glory by running up and slapping one of the enemy than by actually killing them (as this was actually more difficult). However, Indians were/are not one people with one coherent culture, so these things can vary quite a bit.
So the term is probably a regionalism.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
add a comment |
Just as a point of information, I've lived all my life in the USA, most of it in Oklahoma where (American) Indian peoples are more than 10% of the population and culturally very prominent. To my knowledge I have never before heard that term.
If I had to hazard a guess, this probably relates to the way some particular tribe used to wage war. A lot of tribes looked at warfare as a very stylized affair, much like Europeans did in the Middle Ages. You'd typically get more glory by running up and slapping one of the enemy than by actually killing them (as this was actually more difficult). However, Indians were/are not one people with one coherent culture, so these things can vary quite a bit.
So the term is probably a regionalism.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
add a comment |
Just as a point of information, I've lived all my life in the USA, most of it in Oklahoma where (American) Indian peoples are more than 10% of the population and culturally very prominent. To my knowledge I have never before heard that term.
If I had to hazard a guess, this probably relates to the way some particular tribe used to wage war. A lot of tribes looked at warfare as a very stylized affair, much like Europeans did in the Middle Ages. You'd typically get more glory by running up and slapping one of the enemy than by actually killing them (as this was actually more difficult). However, Indians were/are not one people with one coherent culture, so these things can vary quite a bit.
So the term is probably a regionalism.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
Just as a point of information, I've lived all my life in the USA, most of it in Oklahoma where (American) Indian peoples are more than 10% of the population and culturally very prominent. To my knowledge I have never before heard that term.
If I had to hazard a guess, this probably relates to the way some particular tribe used to wage war. A lot of tribes looked at warfare as a very stylized affair, much like Europeans did in the Middle Ages. You'd typically get more glory by running up and slapping one of the enemy than by actually killing them (as this was actually more difficult). However, Indians were/are not one people with one coherent culture, so these things can vary quite a bit.
So the term is probably a regionalism.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:21
T.E.D.
17k13166
17k13166
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
add a comment |
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
1
1
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
If it is a regionalism, it could be due to the "Indian" people having to move through more or less densely wooded terrain: Single file means that only the man in front has to blaze the trail. Oklahoma being relatively sparsely vegetated in general (from my limited experience), you might not be expected to have heard this. How does that sound?
– JeffSahol
Jun 16 '11 at 20:51
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
@JeffSahol: the first record of this appears to be in Massachusetts, which was definitely wooded terrain.
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 23:05
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
TED, it is not to do with "stylised" -- it's an ingenious military technique! "Camoflage" for a group march. If a large brigade march side by side, or in rabble, it's easy for someone who comes later to guess it was a large group. But if a large group correctly walks single-file style (stepping in each other's treads, etc), it is much harder to know what is going on. This cliché is seen in a 100 western movies, I'm surprised not so many know this! John Wayne's sidekick -- Look Sarge, there's only one of 'em! John Wayne -- there could be a hundred Comanches walking Indian-file, Easterner!
– Fattie
Jun 17 '11 at 9:24
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@JeffSahol - A large amount of the tribes in Oklahoma were forcibly transplanted there from the SE US. That actually is a fairly forested area. They were mostly settled in the eastern part of the state of Oklahoma, which is actually decently forested too, like neighboring Arkansas. There are of course native plains tribes in Oklahoma too, mostly in the western part of the state, but that's not where I live. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:32
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
@Joe Blow - Ah! Good reference there. Perhaps I just haven't watched enough old John Wayne movies. :-)
– T.E.D.
Jun 17 '11 at 13:34
add a comment |
I've lived in Ireland all my life, and am familiar with this term. I wouldn't have thought of it as an Americanism, though I did know it refers to/derives from "American Indians", not Indian Indians. I don't know what the geographic spread of the phrase is, but I'm nearly certain it's popped up in British children's books.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
add a comment |
I've lived in Ireland all my life, and am familiar with this term. I wouldn't have thought of it as an Americanism, though I did know it refers to/derives from "American Indians", not Indian Indians. I don't know what the geographic spread of the phrase is, but I'm nearly certain it's popped up in British children's books.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
add a comment |
I've lived in Ireland all my life, and am familiar with this term. I wouldn't have thought of it as an Americanism, though I did know it refers to/derives from "American Indians", not Indian Indians. I don't know what the geographic spread of the phrase is, but I'm nearly certain it's popped up in British children's books.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
I've lived in Ireland all my life, and am familiar with this term. I wouldn't have thought of it as an Americanism, though I did know it refers to/derives from "American Indians", not Indian Indians. I don't know what the geographic spread of the phrase is, but I'm nearly certain it's popped up in British children's books.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
answered Jun 16 '11 at 20:47
TRiG
4,92233756
4,92233756
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
add a comment |
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
And yet I have lived in Canada and the U.S. all my life, and have never heard this term before!
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:21
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
As I've commented above, it's mentioned in Brewer, so it's certainly not restricted to the US.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:25
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
I certainly heard it growing up, and I lived in the U.S. all my life, as well. I expect political correctness has made it less common lately (although Indian file, unlike Indian giver, is not pejorative).
– Peter Shor
Jun 16 '11 at 22:59
add a comment |
Just read this in Age of Anxiety (WH Auden, 1947):
"Along the esker
Following a fox with our fingers crossed
Or after an ogre in Indian file,
We stole with our sticks through a still world of
Hilarious light . . ."
Auden puts these words in the mouth of an English woman living in New York, who is recounting a childhood memory. And of course Auden himself was English-born. That would suggest to me that the term was known in UK English usage.
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
add a comment |
Just read this in Age of Anxiety (WH Auden, 1947):
"Along the esker
Following a fox with our fingers crossed
Or after an ogre in Indian file,
We stole with our sticks through a still world of
Hilarious light . . ."
Auden puts these words in the mouth of an English woman living in New York, who is recounting a childhood memory. And of course Auden himself was English-born. That would suggest to me that the term was known in UK English usage.
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
add a comment |
Just read this in Age of Anxiety (WH Auden, 1947):
"Along the esker
Following a fox with our fingers crossed
Or after an ogre in Indian file,
We stole with our sticks through a still world of
Hilarious light . . ."
Auden puts these words in the mouth of an English woman living in New York, who is recounting a childhood memory. And of course Auden himself was English-born. That would suggest to me that the term was known in UK English usage.
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
Just read this in Age of Anxiety (WH Auden, 1947):
"Along the esker
Following a fox with our fingers crossed
Or after an ogre in Indian file,
We stole with our sticks through a still world of
Hilarious light . . ."
Auden puts these words in the mouth of an English woman living in New York, who is recounting a childhood memory. And of course Auden himself was English-born. That would suggest to me that the term was known in UK English usage.
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
answered Aug 19 '12 at 14:55
Michael Brown
111
111
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
add a comment |
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
Auden lived in the U.S. from 1939 on, so you can't conclude that it's known in the UK from Auden.
– Peter Shor
Oct 31 '17 at 1:04
add a comment |
I was born and raised in the UK and have long known this term, though most likely through my fairly wide lifelong reading. As already noted, the term has the same meaning as "single file". In fact, it is also syntactically equivalent: both are used adverbially. E.g.
To walk (in) single file.
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
add a comment |
I was born and raised in the UK and have long known this term, though most likely through my fairly wide lifelong reading. As already noted, the term has the same meaning as "single file". In fact, it is also syntactically equivalent: both are used adverbially. E.g.
To walk (in) single file.
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
add a comment |
I was born and raised in the UK and have long known this term, though most likely through my fairly wide lifelong reading. As already noted, the term has the same meaning as "single file". In fact, it is also syntactically equivalent: both are used adverbially. E.g.
To walk (in) single file.
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
I was born and raised in the UK and have long known this term, though most likely through my fairly wide lifelong reading. As already noted, the term has the same meaning as "single file". In fact, it is also syntactically equivalent: both are used adverbially. E.g.
To walk (in) single file.
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
answered Oct 30 '17 at 23:42
Edward Lindon
1201
1201
add a comment |
add a comment |
I am surprised no one has mentioned this so far: In the U.S. a common saying is
single file, Indian style
which might be used, say, as an indication to other members of a group walking together to use a single file. A native of the western U.S., I've never before heard the term Indian file, though.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
add a comment |
I am surprised no one has mentioned this so far: In the U.S. a common saying is
single file, Indian style
which might be used, say, as an indication to other members of a group walking together to use a single file. A native of the western U.S., I've never before heard the term Indian file, though.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
add a comment |
I am surprised no one has mentioned this so far: In the U.S. a common saying is
single file, Indian style
which might be used, say, as an indication to other members of a group walking together to use a single file. A native of the western U.S., I've never before heard the term Indian file, though.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
I am surprised no one has mentioned this so far: In the U.S. a common saying is
single file, Indian style
which might be used, say, as an indication to other members of a group walking together to use a single file. A native of the western U.S., I've never before heard the term Indian file, though.
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
answered Jun 16 '11 at 23:39
mgkrebbs
6,27712340
6,27712340
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
add a comment |
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
I'm a native of California, and although I've never heard anyone say "Indian file", I've often seen it in (old) books. But this is the first time I've ever heard of 'single file, Indian style.' Where is it common?
– MT_Head
Jun 17 '11 at 7:02
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
@MT_Head: Well, my wife and I grew up in different counties in northern California, and we were both familiar with 'single file, Indian style' in our childhoods. A little research shows it is sometimes used as a 'call' in square dancing.
– mgkrebbs
Jul 10 '11 at 0:21
add a comment |
Boston Public Schools (i.e., Boston, Massachusetts, USA), 1950s, commonly used by teachers to instruct children to single-file (used here as a verb).
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
add a comment |
Boston Public Schools (i.e., Boston, Massachusetts, USA), 1950s, commonly used by teachers to instruct children to single-file (used here as a verb).
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
add a comment |
Boston Public Schools (i.e., Boston, Massachusetts, USA), 1950s, commonly used by teachers to instruct children to single-file (used here as a verb).
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
Boston Public Schools (i.e., Boston, Massachusetts, USA), 1950s, commonly used by teachers to instruct children to single-file (used here as a verb).
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
answered Oct 8 '12 at 21:16
Andrea Devine
11
11
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
add a comment |
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
Can you cite any source?
– itsbruce
Oct 8 '12 at 23:32
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
This doesn't explain why it is called Indian, which is the focus of the question.
– Kazark
Oct 9 '12 at 0:14
add a comment |
Because that is how the Red Indians hunted — one after the other — following the trail of the animals.
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
add a comment |
Because that is how the Red Indians hunted — one after the other — following the trail of the animals.
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
add a comment |
Because that is how the Red Indians hunted — one after the other — following the trail of the animals.
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
Because that is how the Red Indians hunted — one after the other — following the trail of the animals.
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
edited Aug 19 '12 at 17:03
RegDwigнt♦
82.7k31281377
82.7k31281377
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
answered Jun 16 '11 at 19:23
sally
9
9
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
OOC, where in the USA was the person who said this from?
– T.E.D.
Jun 16 '11 at 19:24
3
It is known in Britain too (though rare these days) - for example it is mentioned in Brewer.
– psmears
Jun 16 '11 at 22:24
4
I'm an East Coast native (from English-speaking Canada, now residing in the U.S.), and this is the first I've heard the term. I have always heard and used single file.
– John Y
Jun 16 '11 at 22:27
1
Use of any "ethnicity" in descriptive terms has vanished in recent decades, because of the possible worry of them being socially inappropriate. Because "indian giver" was perpetuating stereotypes, I believe other "indian-this" and "indian-that" have vanished from common usage.
– Warren P
Jun 17 '11 at 0:52
1
Were there any negative Indian- combinations other than Indian giver? The ones I know about, Indian summer, Indian corn, and Indian file, don't seem to relate to any negative stereotypes (unlike Chinese fire drill, for example).
– Peter Shor
Jun 17 '11 at 13:02