coon

Coon is most commonly used as the name for the raccoon, Procyon lotor, a medium-sized mammal native to North America. Raccoons are highly adaptable omnivores, known for their dexterous forepaws, distinctive facial mask, and ringed tail. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas, and are primarily nocturnal. Diets are varied and include fruit, nuts, insects, small vertebrates, and opportunistic human food. Reproduction typically occurs in the spring, with litters of a few offspring; in the wild, raccoons have variable lifespans, often shorter than in captivity. The species has expanded its range in some regions, aided by urban resources, and remains a common feature of North American wildlife.

Beyond the animal, Coon can function as a surname and as part of place names in English-speaking regions. As a surname, it appears in historical records and may have multiple independent origins. It can also occur in geographic names, reflecting local history or settlement patterns. Because it is a relatively short and common-sounding component, it appears in various contexts without implying a single fixed lineage or location.

The term coon also appears in English as a racial slur historically used to denigrate Black people. In modern usage, it is widely regarded as offensive and inappropriate. The slur is discussed in historical and sociocultural contexts, and its use is generally discouraged. Some branding or cultural artifacts that included the term have faced criticism and, in response, undergone rebranding or withdrawal to avoid offense.