Pumpernickel vs. Squaw — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Pumpernickel is a type of dense, dark German bread, while "squaw" is a controversial and offensive term historically used to refer to Indigenous North American women.
Difference Between Pumpernickel and Squaw
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Pumpernickel is a heavy, slightly sweet rye bread that originated in Germany, known for its long cooking process, which gives it a characteristic deep brown color. The term "squaw," on the other hand, has historically been used to refer to Native American women but is now widely considered derogatory and offensive due to its pejorative and misogynistic connotations.
Both pumpernickel and "squaw" derive from different origins; "pumpernickel" comes from the German language, possibly a combination of the words "pumpern" (to break wind) and "Nickel" (goblin), due to its digestibility. In contrast, "squaw" is believed to come from the Algonquian language but its use in English has been a point of controversy and is avoided in contemporary settings.
Pumpernickel is characterized by its dense texture and is traditionally made with coarsely ground rye flour and rye berries. It is often associated with health benefits due to its high fiber content. The use of the term "squaw" is not associated with any benefits and is actively discouraged because it perpetuates stereotypes and disrespect towards Indigenous women.
In culinary contexts, pumpernickel is often used as a base for sandwiches or served with smoked fish and cheeses. There is no context in which the use of "squaw" is appropriate in modern discourse, as it can cause harm and perpetuate harm against Indigenous communities.
While pumpernickel continues to be a popular bread choice in various parts of the world, efforts to phase out the term "squaw" from geographical names and vocabulary continue, with many places and entities changing names that previously included the term.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Meaning
A type of German bread made with rye.
An outdated and offensive term for Indigenous women.
Origin
German culinary tradition.
Algonquian language, misappropriated in English.
Use
As a food item.
Historically as a descriptor, now considered derogatory.
Connotation
Nutritious and hearty.
Racist and sexist.
Contemporary Acceptance
Widely accepted and consumed.
Rejected and actively being removed from use.
Compare with Definitions
Pumpernickel
A dark, dense German rye bread.
She made a sandwich with thinly sliced salmon and pumpernickel.
Squaw
Considered a slur in contemporary usage.
Activists campaign against the use of squaw in public nomenclature.
Pumpernickel
Has a firm texture and rich rye taste.
Pumpernickel pairs well with strong cheeses and robust soups.
Squaw
An outdated term for an Indigenous woman.
The term squaw has been removed from place names to promote respect.
Pumpernickel
Traditionally made without wheat flour or coloring agents.
The bakery prides itself on its authentic pumpernickel recipe.
Squaw
Once used to describe female Native American individuals.
Educators teach why the word squaw is inappropriate in modern language.
Pumpernickel
Often served in German delis and specialty shops.
At the deli, I always choose a pumpernickel bagel.
Squaw
Historically used in literature and movies inaccurately.
Old westerns often incorrectly used squaw without understanding its impact.
Pumpernickel
Bread with a slightly sweet flavor from long cooking.
For breakfast, he toasted a slice of pumpernickel with butter.
Squaw
The term is being replaced with appropriate tribal names or terms.
The national park replaced all signs that contained squaw with the correct tribal language terms.
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel (English: ; German: [ˈpʊmpɐˌnɪkl̩] is a typically heavy, slightly sweet rye bread traditionally made with sourdough starter and coarsely ground rye. It is sometimes made with a combination of flour made from rye as well as whole rye grains ("rye berries").
Squaw
The English word squaw is an ethnic and sexual slur, historically used for Indigenous North American women. Contemporary use of the term, especially by non-Natives, is considered derogatory, misogynist, and racist.While the morpheme squaw (or a close variant) is found within longer words in several Eastern and Central Algonquian languages, primarily spoken in the northeastern United States and in eastern and central Canada, these languages only make up a small minority of the Indigenous languages of North America.
Pumpernickel
A dark, sourish bread made from whole, coarsely ground rye.
Squaw
(Offensive) A Native American woman, especially a wife.
Pumpernickel
A German sourdough bread made from rye.
Squaw
Offensive Slang A woman or wife.
Pumpernickel
A sort of bread, made of unbolted rye, which forms the chief food of the Westphalian peasants. It is acid but nourishing.
Squaw
A woman, wife; especially a Native American woman.
Pumpernickel
Bread made of coarse rye flour
Squaw
A female; a woman, especially a married woman; a wife; - in the language of Indian tribes of the Algonquin family, correlative of sannup.
Squaw
An American Indian woman
Common Curiosities
Is pumpernickel bread considered healthy?
Yes, due to its high fiber content, it's considered a healthier bread option.
Can pumpernickel bread be used for any type of sandwich?
Yes, its robust flavor complements a variety of sandwich ingredients.
How long is pumpernickel bread typically cooked?
It is slow-baked for up to 24 hours to develop its color and flavor.
What does pumpernickel taste like?
It has a distinctive, slightly sweet, and deep rye flavor.
What is pumpernickel bread made of?
Pumpernickel is made primarily of coarsely ground rye flour and rye berries.
What is replacing the term "squaw"?
Efforts are being made to use correct tribal names or other respectful terms.
How should pumpernickel bread be stored to maintain freshness?
Keep it wrapped in a cool, dry place or refrigerated.
Is the word "squaw" still used in any official capacity?
It is being phased out and is largely considered unacceptable in official use.
Why is the term "squaw" offensive?
It is offensive due to its historical use in derogatory contexts against Indigenous women.
How are educational institutions addressing the use of "squaw"?
Many are educating about its offensive nature and removing it from curricula.
Why is it important to stop using the term "squaw"?
To prevent perpetuating stereotypes and disrespect towards Indigenous peoples.
What's a good pairing with pumpernickel bread?
Strong cheeses, smoked fish, and pickled foods pair well with it.
Can pumpernickel bread be homemade?
Yes, with the right ingredients and patience for the slow baking process, it can be made at home.
What is being done about places named with "squaw"?
Many are being renamed as part of a movement to remove the slur from geographic locations.
Are there variations of pumpernickel bread?
Yes, there are several variations, including those with added flavors and ingredients.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Earthquake vs. Aftershock
Next Comparison
Snail vs. ConchAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
