Exceptional Inadvertent Offense Idioms Explained : ... in a 'coon's age by Elizabeth Emerald Artwork by lynnkah at FanArtReview.com

A few years back, a woman I was friendly with in the locker room of the gym (not that kind of friendly) came in from her swim, flustered. Sally told me she'd encountered a fellow at the pool, whom she hadn't seen in months. She greeted him with these words: "Hello, Jim! I haven't seen you in a 'coons age." Jim nodded curtly, then walked away. It was then Sally realized:  Jim, who is black, had taken 'coon -- short for raccoon -- as a racial slur. Per the reference below, stay on the safe side: substitute the British idiom: In a donkey's years. Now, check out Sandra Mitchell's post today on that expression (and several others). * * * * * * https://www.straightdope.com/ What’s the origin of “coon’s age”? - The Straight Dope It actually refers to raccoons. The expression “in a coon’s age” dates to the early 1800s, and to the folk belief that raccoons are long-lived. ... average, probably 2-3 years  ... ... applied to black people ... first used in the 1850s ... for that reason, "in a coon’s age” makes many people uncomfortable, notwithstanding its innocent origin.   Recognized Author Notes Peak A Boo by lynnkah on FanArtReview.com THANK YOU!

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