The English word cannibal derives from the ethnic name Carib.

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

• DEFINE: Etymology showing how a discourse of barbarism literally colonized language — the word ‘cannibal’ fossilizes the colonial accusation.
• CANDY: A neat linguistic fact: the word ‘cannibal’ comes from ‘Carib’ — light conversational trivia with a sharp colonial edge.
• ADDENDUM: Directly supports the ‘Complaints About Immodesty’ article’s method of showing how colonial/cross-cultural perception hardens into durable labels; the Carib-to-cannibal shift is a pure case of signifier-to-brand.