What is the origin of word cannibal?

Answer 1

The word 'cannibal' is derived from the Spanish word "Caníbalis". Though there are many thoughts on the specific origin of this word, the most popular seems to be that of a story surrounding explorer Christopher Columbus. Apparently, Columbus visited the areas of Cuba and Haiti where he witnessed a group of tribal warriors that ate human flesh. The act of actually eating human flesh by these tribes was never confirmed however.

The actual origin of the word can be broken down to the word "Carib", which was the name of the actual peoples living in the area, and which is likely the derivitive of the area known today as The Carribean.

Answer 2

The word "cannibal" is derived from the Spanish word "caníbal," which in turn comes from the Carib word "karibna," meaning "person." The term was first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. It was used to describe the Caribs, a group of indigenous people in the Caribbean islands, who were perceived by Europeans as engaging in ritualistic cannibalism.

Answer 3

The word 'cannibal' is derived from the Spanish word "Caníbalis". Though there are many thoughts on the specific origin of this word, the most popular seems to be that of a story surrounding explorer Christopher Columbus. Apparently, Columbus visited the areas of Cuba and Haiti where he witnessed a group of tribal warriors that ate human flesh. The act of actually eating human flesh by these tribes was never confirmed however.

The actual origin of the word can be broken down to the word "Carib", which was the name of the actual peoples living in the area, and which is likely the derivitive of the area known today as The Carribean.