Pawnee

/pɔˈni/ noun or proper noun

Definition

A Native American people historically from the Great Plains, or in the TV show 'Parks and Recreation,' the fictional Indiana town where the show is set.

Etymology

From Pawnee language 'pariki' meaning horn, referring to their distinctive hairstyle. As a place name, 'Pawnee, Indiana' was created for the TV show.

Kelly Says

The real Pawnee Nation has an incredible history—they were known for detailed astronomical knowledge and built earth lodges that archaeologists still study—but many people only know the word from the TV show, which is a funny example of fictional geography overshadowing real history.

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