Indian giver

noun Informal: Sometimes Offensive.

a person who gives a gift and then takes it back.

Origin of Indian giver

First recorded in 1825–35

usage note for Indian giver

This term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by American Indians. However, it originally referred to their custom of giving a gift and expecting an equivalent gift in return. See also Indian.

OTHER WORDS FROM Indian giver

Indian giving, noun

British Dictionary definitions for indian giver

Indian giver

noun

US and Canadian offensive a person who asks for the return of a present he has given

Derived forms of Indian giver

Indian giving, noun

Idioms and Phrases with indian giver

Indian giver

One who takes or demands back one's gift to another, as in Jimmy wanted to take back Dan's birthday present, but Mom said that would make him an Indian giver. This term, now considered offensive, originally alluded to the Native American practice of expecting a gift in return for one that is given. [Colloquial; early 1800s]