kinnikinnick

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

Kinnikinnick’s story begins in Unami Delaware: kələkəni·kan meant “a mixture, especially a smoking blend.” Meant 'mixture', naming a traditional smoking blend of leaves and bark. It reached English by 1790s as kinnikinnick. Unami Delaware 'mixture'; bearberry leaves were a common ingredient. Today, kinnikinnick means a traditional Native American smoking mixture of leaves, bark, and herbs, also the common name of the bearberry plant.

1. Stage 1 · Unami Delaware · pre-1800s kələkəni·kan "a mixture, especially a smoking blend", meant 'mixture', naming a traditional smoking blend of leaves and bark.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1790s kinnikinnick "a traditional smoking mixture of leaves, bark, and herbs", Unami Delaware 'mixture'; bearberry leaves were a common ingredient.