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Kinnikinnick

2 stages from Unami Delaware to English.

Today it means a traditional Native American smoking mixture of leaves, bark, and herbs, also the common name of the bearberry plant

Where does the word "kinnikinnick" come from? It comes from Unami Delaware kələkəni·kan, adopted directly into English (1790s).

kələkəni·kan→kinnikinnick

kələkəni·kan

Unami Delaware · pre-1800s

"a mixture, especially a smoking blend"

meant 'mixture', naming a traditional smoking blend of leaves and bark

English · 1790s

"a traditional smoking mixture of leaves, bark, and herbs"

adopted by English-speaking settlers and traders across North America

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