Why Is Coon An Ethnic Slur?

Coon is a highly offensive racial slur. It is extensively used both in American and Australian slang. In America it is a disparaging term for an African American person. In Australia it is a derogatory nickname for Aboriginal folks.

The origin and meaning of the slur Coon is rather ambiguous. It is usually thought to be a diminutive form of the word raccoon, which is of course a small and ugly animal. Naturally to refer to people as 'raccoons', is very demeaning and dehumanizes them to a large extent. This is why coon is an ethnic slur.

Some others believe that the word coon originated from the Portuguese word 'barracoos' which alludes to a building that was erected specifically to houses slave for sale.

The term coon was popularized by a coon caricature. The coon was also depicted as lazy, perpetually frightened, idiotic and childish although he was a fully grown adult.