conasse

The Meaning of

"Conasse"

The French noun "conasse" can be defined as: a stupid man or woman; a grossly stupid man; a prostitute without a health card; is used specifically for a bungling prostitute. It all began back as far as W.W. II when American troops were stationed in France. The French soldiers were possibly threatened by their so called long lost cousins, the French speaking Americans soldiers were called 'conasse'. The non-French speaking Americans soldiers began calling the French speaking Americans 'coonass' which is a take of the word 'conasse' used by the French soldiers.

A large number of non-Louisianians came to Southern Louisiana after W.W II for various reasons. Along with the non-Louisianians came with them the slur word referring to Acadian people. A small amount of the Acadian population welcomed and promoted its' use. This term was accepted and believed to be cute and humorous.

It is my understanding that the 'coonass' is forbidden on radio and television in Louisiana. The term is controversial in Louisiana. Well I'm proud to be a coonass. I also understand the Cajuns (coonasses) are a federally protected minority. This came about in July of 1980 with the case of "James Roach vs. Dresser Industries". "The plaintiff, Roach, was fired from his job when he objected to his supervisors' repeated use of the term "coonass" in referring to Louisiana Cajuns. Roach file suit against his employer for discrimination banned by the Equal Opportunity Act. The defendants argued that Acadia was never an independent country and incapable of producing a national minority. The judge, Edwin F. Hunter rule on July 17, 1980, that Louisiana's Acadians are of "foreign descent" and entitled to the full protection by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act". Anyway sometimes I think it is all exaggerated but that is my opinion. Most people in Southern Louisiana don't think anything of it and are even proud of it (like me). Just remember that these last few statements are my opinions and views. I for one, don't have a problem with being called a coonass. I was amazed to know the I am a minority.