Red Cloud

3 8.5

A Native American chief who led the Oglala Lakota Sioux in fighting U.S. expansion into Wyoming and Montana

proper noun
/rɛd klaʊd/

: Nube Roja

Many historians regard Red Cloud as one of the most influential indigenous leaders of the 19th century.

Examples

Red Cloud was a prominent chief who played a crucial role in Native American resistance.
The famous chief Red Cloud fought for his people's rights.
The battle led by Red Cloud is often cited as a turning point in U.S.–Lakota relations.
In history class, we learned about Red Cloud and his leadership.
Red Cloud was a chief known for his leadership in the fight against U.S. expansion into Native American lands.
Many regard Red Cloud as a significant figure in the resistance of the Oglala Lakota Sioux against American settlement.
The actions of Red Cloud during the conflict are studied as crucial moments in Native American history.

Surface Forms

Red Cloud main

Morphology

Red + Cloud

This is a proper name referring to a historical person (an Oglala Lakota chief), so its meaning as a person and historical figure cannot be derived from the literal words 'red' and 'cloud.' A B1 learner who knows the two words would likely interpret the phrase literally (a cloud that is red) rather than infer the named individual, so the expression is not compositional or predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Red Cloud is an English translation of his Lakota name Maȟpíya Lúta, which means 'red cloud'. The picture of a red cloud in the sky was a strong personal sign, so people used that image as his name and we still call the leader Red Cloud today.