Cajun
See also: cajun
English
Alternative forms
- Cajin, Cadjin, Cagin (obsolete), Cadien (Louisiana French orthography)
Etymology
An Anglicization of the Acadian French Cadien (itself an aphetic form of Acadien (“Acadian”)), reflecting the palatalization of /dj/ to /d͡ʒ/ in the Acadian dialect.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈkeɪdʒən/
- Rhymes: -eɪdʒən
Noun
Cajun (plural Cajuns)
- A member of the ethnic group descending from Acadia, primarily French-speaking and living in Southern Louisiana.
- (ethnic slur, dated) Any uneducated poor Francophone in French Louisiana.
- Damn Cajuns! They're all a bunch of lazy coonasses!
- Synonym: coonass
Adjective
Cajun (not comparable)
- Relating to the Cajun people or their culture.
- Of spicy food prepared in the style of the Cajun cuisine.