Difference between revisions of "Nigger"
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In modern times it is seen as incredibly insulting for a light-skinned or "white" person to call a dark-skinned or "black" person a "nigger". However, when said by a dark-skinned person, it is generally accepted<ref>For more examples, visits Youtube and enter "Chris Rock"</ref>. Many inner-city [[African American]]s (niggers) have a tendency to use the word, often pronouncing is as "niggah," as if changing the pronunciation somehow changes the word <ref>VOTE FOR HI'''L'''TER</ref>. It's mainly used as a term of friendship towards others, and it can even be considered a compliment to be called "my niggah". It has, on occasion, been humorously remarked upon that black people can use the term "nigger", but white people cannot. | In modern times it is seen as incredibly insulting for a light-skinned or "white" person to call a dark-skinned or "black" person a "nigger". However, when said by a dark-skinned person, it is generally accepted<ref>For more examples, visits Youtube and enter "Chris Rock"</ref>. Many inner-city [[African American]]s (niggers) have a tendency to use the word, often pronouncing is as "niggah," as if changing the pronunciation somehow changes the word <ref>VOTE FOR HI'''L'''TER</ref>. It's mainly used as a term of friendship towards others, and it can even be considered a compliment to be called "my niggah". It has, on occasion, been humorously remarked upon that black people can use the term "nigger", but white people cannot. | ||
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As is usually the case, the crackers ripped off the niggers and start using the word, slightly modified for themselves. Much as the blues became "rock and roll," nigger has been corrupted as well. As such, a white person who accepts urban culture may be referred to as a "wigger," a portmanteau of "white nigger." Usually used in a derogatory sense, it can be a term of endearment to rich white kids who watch a lot of BET. | As is usually the case, the crackers ripped off the niggers and start using the word, slightly modified for themselves. Much as the blues became "rock and roll," nigger has been corrupted as well. As such, a white person who accepts urban culture may be referred to as a "wigger," a portmanteau of "white nigger." Usually used in a derogatory sense, it can be a term of endearment to rich white kids who watch a lot of BET. | ||
Revision as of 07:44, 18 June 2009
The word "nigger" (often referred to as "the N-word" in polite discourse) is a racist slang term used to refer to people with dark skin. It is believed to stem from the Spanish "Negro" meaning black....But don't quote us on that.
Etymology
Historically, it was a common term to use for referring to dark-skinned folk, along with "negro". Increasingly, during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it came to be regarded as vulgar. Odd as it sounds, negro is still acceptable, if only just[1]. Changing attitudes to racial differences furthered this trend, as did the civil rights movement, and the rise of political correctness. However, it's still used by closet racist in the privacy of their own home.
Modern usage
In modern times it is seen as incredibly insulting for a light-skinned or "white" person to call a dark-skinned or "black" person a "nigger". However, when said by a dark-skinned person, it is generally accepted[2]. Many inner-city African Americans (niggers) have a tendency to use the word, often pronouncing is as "niggah," as if changing the pronunciation somehow changes the word [3]. It's mainly used as a term of friendship towards others, and it can even be considered a compliment to be called "my niggah". It has, on occasion, been humorously remarked upon that black people can use the term "nigger", but white people cannot.
Theft of urban culture
As is usually the case, the crackers ripped off the niggers and start using the word, slightly modified for themselves. Much as the blues became "rock and roll," nigger has been corrupted as well. As such, a white person who accepts urban culture may be referred to as a "wigger," a portmanteau of "white nigger." Usually used in a derogatory sense, it can be a term of endearment to rich white kids who watch a lot of BET.
Modern examples
“”Hold it! Anybody makes a move, the Nigger gets it.
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| —Bart, Blazing Saddles |
Footnotes
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