Cannibaean

/ˌkænɪˈbeɪən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of cannibalism or cannibals; practicing or inclined toward the consumption of human flesh.

Etymology

From 'cannibal' plus the suffix '-ean' (a variant of '-ian'). 'Cannibal' itself comes from Spanish 'caníbal,' derived from 'Carib,' the name of a Caribbean indigenous people incorrectly associated with the practice by European colonizers.

Kelly Says

The word 'cannibal' is actually rooted in European misunderstandings of Caribbean peoples—early colonizers used the term to paint indigenous people as savages, a stereotype that was largely invented!

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