BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???

Subject: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 09:38 AM

Anyone know this term used by 19th century children in a book?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:04 AM

Yes - it is almost certainly from "The Treasure Seekers", E Nesbit.

Hope this helps, B

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:28 AM

Yes, it is, but what does it MEAN? :~) I know the plot, but it's a phrase they overhear their father using and then they misunderstand it and co-opt it. What did dad mean?

I don't think he's their uncle at all, until he sort of decides to be after they dub him that... and he's BEEN in India but he's not Indian.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:34 AM

It's a children's book, remember? Kinda like "Aunt Jemima" or "Uncle Remus." While we wouldn't use such terms of endearment now (usually, in Western culture) they were common in 19C. He'd been to India, therefore he was their "Indian uncle."

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:36 AM

As I remember, ~S~, (and it is well over 50 years since I read it ! ) the children, the young Bastables, thought that the gentleman under consideration was what in those days would be called a "Red Indian" - a Native American.

Hence, the "Indian Uncle".


Turned out he had been in the Sub-Continent.

The gentleman, etc., might have been some relation of the childrens' father, Mr Bastable Senior ; and ended up having a "play supper" with the young 'uns.

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:36 PM

I think the term was in use meaning someone who might be able to help out financially, by providing a loan or investing in the business. The India in question would have been India.

Incidentally the Treasure Seekers weren't 19th century, but early 20th century.

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 02:25 PM

An Indian Uncle is a wealthy person willing to help you out financially. The Indian refers to the country India where wealth abounded.

I found a reference to a children's book in which the children confuse the term with American Indian and expect a red man in war paint. Lots of misunderstandings result.

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:02 PM

SINSULL is correct. I think the phrase has disappeared, but when I wanted something expensive, my mother used to say no, but maybe your Indian Uncle will bring it.

I remember when the Maharajah of Hyderabad came to Santa Fe for the Fiesta (late 1930s). Great excitement in the town, especially among us kids. He was fabulously wealthy, so they said.

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:42 PM

In the '40s, the Nizam (not Maharajah) of Hyderabad was said to be the world's richest man.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: From a Book: Indian Uncle???
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 06:09 PM

Thanks, all. It's nailed.

~S~