coonskin
Coonskin refers to the pelt or hide of a raccoon, typically used in the making of caps and hats.
Definitions
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.
Comments
(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!!!!!”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Semantically related
- coonskin cap80%
(chiefly, US) Headwear made from the pelt of a raccoon with the tail hanging in back, often associated with the iconic imagery of such American frontiersmen as Davy Crockett.
- coon cat63%
An informal American term for the Maine Coon, one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for its bushy tail, tufted ears, shaggy coat, and dog-like personality. The 'coon' portion of the name refers to the raccoon — a nod to the Maine Coon's ringed tail and semi-wild, outdoorsy origins in New England. While the shorthand is used among cat fanciers and breeders, it should be noted the word 'coon' carries a serious racial slur meaning in other contexts, so usage warrants care.
- Davy Crockett hat60%
(chiefly, US) A hat made of a real or simulated pelt of a raccoon with the tail hanging in back, particularly popular among children in North America during the 1950s and 1960s.
- coon55%
(informal, chiefly, Southern US) A raccoon.