The term "Indian givers" is quoted in today's paper in the article headed "Councillors Slam 'Ridiculous' Levy" (November 24).

It is true this term can be found in The Macquarie Dictionary, where it is defined as "a person who gives something as a gift to another and later takes or demands it back", and the term was correctly used in the article in that context.

It is, though, likely a recently borrowed Americanism, as it does not appear as having any historic Australian language association, according to The Australian National Dictionary (2016).

OTHER RECENT LETTERS:

However, no matter its linguistic roots, the term "Indian giver" is today regarded as offensive and derogatory by Canadian and American First Nations - and its use would be avoided in a quality newspaper.

I am not making any judgment on either the newspaper or the named councillor in using the term, but I am only suggesting some caution in its use, given the possible risk of offending a reader of the Western Advocate whether in print or online.

I am afraid I cannot offer an alternative term, but I would note that the aforementioned political double dealing had nothing to do with North American First Nations.

The councillor might better have referred to the initial granting of funds as just so much "pollie speak", given subsequent developments.