Many Canneci Tinné words have evolved into use throughout southwest Louisiana…you may recognize a few!

Ik’sande = Greetings / Hello!

Cuk (pron. shook) = Thank you!

Kuyon = means smart or intelligent, but it’s used sarcastically by Cajun/Creole people to mean crazy or foolish. The correct term in French is intelligent – and for the latter, fou / bete / imbecile)

Nant’a = Chief/Leader

Ciinii = black/dark (used for caterpillar, there are many black/dark caterpillars in SWLA (correct French term is chenille = caterpillar)

Kucma = ghost/spirit (Creole use is similar; some say devil)

Yana = buffalo (this is a discovered first name from an ancestor’s census)

Aiiyaii / Aiiya = Ouch! (similar to Jicarilla and Mexican expression)

Hau = Yes

Âcdo – No

Gotcho = Grandma

Tiiya = sassy (tii = french “little” – nickname of person = little sassy)

Izii = medicine

Fisidax = literally, “not dung” (a folk medicine that looks/smells bad but works great)

Mamu = Southern red coral bean plant, used as medicine

Izii’ditc’i = tea

Kuc / KucKuc = parched or fried cornmeal that is commonly used as a staple to keep workers energized until lunch or dinner.

T’e̱c = black water-snake. The origin of the word “Teche” (as in, Bayou Teche) has eluded historians, anthropologists, and linguists alike, due to their overlooking of the Canneci (Lipan Apache) influence and presence in Louisiana’s history. Some were convinced it was Chahta, Chitimacha, or Atakapa, yet none of these languages use teche (tesh) for snake, much less black water snake! The word “Teche” has evolved into a fascinating local legend, synonymous with “snake,” as its true origins have become a mystery to non-natives unfamiliar with the region.
Canneci Tinné territory around Prairie Maronne, is located between the Vermilion (“Red”) River and Bayou Teche, where there are many snakes. Our people are not fond of snakes, but respect them. The origin stories of the Atakapa & Chitimacha peoples tell of how the Bayou Teche was created by a giant serpent.