Definition of racoon

The word "racoon" is derived from the Algonquin language, a Native American tongue spoken by various Indigenous peoples including the Lenape, Mi'kmaq, and Passamaquoddy. Prominently, the Algonquin word for the animal we know today as the raccoon is "arakun" or "arakhw," which means "he scatters it about" or "he moves things around with his hands." European settlers heard this word from Native Americans and adopted it into English. The first documented use of the word "racoon" was in English in the mid-1600s. As the fur trade expanded, the raccoon's name gained popularity in English due to the high demand for its distinctive fur, which was used in hats and other luxury items. This trade helped to increase awareness of the raccoon and solidify its place in the English lexicon. Today, the term "racoon" is used to describe a member of the Procyonidae family, which includes several species besides the North American raccoon. The word's origins remind us of the close relationship between the English language and the Native American cultures that have populated North America for thousands of years. So, next time you see a raccoon rummaging through the trash or scaling a tree, remember that its name comes from a rich linguistic history that spans centuries and cultures.