Indian giver

The term "Indian giver" is an American idiom describing a person who gives a gift and later tries to take it back, or someone who gives something only because they expect something of equivalent value in return. The phrase originated in the 18th century, born from a cultural misunderstanding between early European settlers and Indigenous peoples of North America. While European colonists viewed gift-giving as a permanent transfer of property, many Indigenous cultures operated on an economy of barter or circular exchange, where a gift was meant to be reciprocated or circulated within the community to maintain social ties.

Perspectives on the term vary largely by generation and awareness of its etymology. Some speakers still use the phrase casually to describe the specific act of rescinding a gift, often without intending racial animus. However, it is widely considered offensive and derogatory today. Critics argue that it perpetuates negative stereotypes of Native Americans as untrustworthy or ungenerous. Furthermore, historians often point out the irony of the phrase, noting that the European settlers were frequently the ones who broke treaties and retracted agreements with Indigenous nations. As a result, most modern style guides advise against its use.

Example:
"He promised to donate the old car to charity, but he acted like an Indian giver and decided to keep it when he saw how much it was worth."

Example:
"Don't be an Indian giver; you can't ask for the toy back just because you're bored now."