Cajun
UK: ˈkeɪdʒən | US: ˈkeɪdʒən
n. 1. A member of a group of people in Louisiana descended from French-speaking Acadians expelled from Canada in the 18th century.
n. 2. The dialect or culture of these people, blending French, Spanish, and Creole influences.
adj. Relating to the Cajun people, their language, or their cuisine (e.g., Cajun spices).
The word "Cajun" originates from the mispronunciation and shortening of "Acadian" (French: Acadien), referring to French colonists who settled in Acadia (modern-day Eastern Canada). After the British expelled them in the mid-18th century, many Acadians migrated to Louisiana, where "Acadien" gradually morphed into "Cadien" and later "Cajun" in English. The term reflects both cultural identity and linguistic adaptation over centuries.
Cajun cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, like gumbo and jambalaya.
Many Cajun musicians play zydeco, a lively genre with accordion and washboard.
The Cajun dialect preserves unique French-derived vocabulary.
She grew up in a Cajun community where French was still spoken at home.
Cajun festivals celebrate the region’s rich heritage with food and music.