From Latin "aborigines" (plural), meaning "original inhabitants."
Ultimately derived from Proto-Indo-European "ab" (from) + "origo" (beginning).
Meaning:
The original inhabitants of a place, especially those who were there before the arrival of settlers or colonists.
Origin:
1. Aboriginal Australians:
The term "Aborigine" was originally used by Europeans to refer to the indigenous people of Australia.
It was first recorded in the late 17th century and became the official term in 1938.
Today, the preferred term among Indigenous Australians is "First Nations."
2. Aboriginal Peoples of Other Regions:
The term "Aborigine" has also been used historically to refer to indigenous peoples of other regions, including:
Sri Lanka (now known as "Adivasi")
Taiwan (now known as "Austronesian")
Papua New Guinea (now known as "Papuan")
Controversy:
The use of the term "Aborigine" has been criticized as being derogatory and racist.
It implies that the indigenous people were primitive or uncivilized, and it is often associated with stereotypes of them as being "uncivilized" or "violent."
Today, the term is generally considered to be outdated and offensive, and is being replaced by more respectful terms such as "First Nations."