An ethnic name became a moral category encoded in language

Evidence

In fact, so entrenched did the idea become that the “fierce” Caribs were eaters of human flesh that their ethnic name (Carib) came to be used to refer to anyone thought guilty of this behavior. As a result, we today have the word “cannibal,” which is actually derived from the name “Carib.” — Stuart Hall, Essential Essays, Volume 2, 633

Categorization

Category: Factual Claims

• DEFINE: Etymology of ‘cannibal’ demonstrates how colonial classification becomes linguistic common sense.
• CANDY: The etymology tidbit is a light, shareable fact showing how a slur hardened into an ordinary word.

Related

• The English word cannibal derives from the ethnic name Carib. (similarity 0.92)

Broader Connections

• The word ‘slave’ derives from the ethnic name of the Slav people #exemplifies (0.95)