Coonass - Cajun, Acadian, or Creole descendents in Louisiana...or just someone that was born and raised in New Orleans. The name Coonass is considered the equivalent to "Red Neck", but is a term of endearment to the native Louisiana folks.
Actual COONASS Story: The name Coonass comes from the Atakapa-Ishak Indians. The Indians nickname for themselves was "Kon Nesh," pronounced also "Kon Nash" (Literally meaning, "One strong, tough, durable tree!") In time, that Indian nickname among the Cajuns devolved into the contrived, totally unrelated "Coonass." The latter never was a shunned name for those who knew and remembered its etymology.
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There you go Dak! Post #60.