The Appalousa (also Opelousa) were an indigenous American people who occupied the area around present-day Opelousas, Louisiana, west of the lower Mississippi River before European contact in the 18th century. At various times in their history, they were associated with the neighboring Atakapa and Chitimacha peoples. The name Opelousas has been thought to have many meanings, but the one most commonly accepted is "Blackleg." The tribe was known for painting or staining their lower legs a dark color.