Coonskin refers to the pelt or hide of a raccoon, typically used in the making of caps and hats. The coonskin cap — a hat made from raccoon fur with the tail hanging down — is an iconic symbol of American frontier culture, associated with figures like Davy Crockett and the broader mythology of the 18th and 19th century American frontier. The term is used in historical, craft, and popular culture contexts without racial implication in this specific sense; however, 'coon' as a standalone word is a racial slur and context matters significantly.
He wore a coonskin cap to the history fair and refused to take it off even during the indoor presentations.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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(US) The pelt of a raccoon.
“for Davy Crockett, his ‘coonskin hat & musket.” said I. You can take the girl out of Long Island but you can’t take Long Island out of the girl!!!!! Glad - for her sake - she didn’t retire in Arizona!!!!!”
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