nigger
- Noun:
- (ethnic slur) extremely offensive name for a Black person: The word "nigger" is a profoundly offensive and derogatory term historically used to demean, dehumanize, and oppress Black people. Its use is rooted in racism and violence.
- (in-group use): Within some Black communities, a reclaimed or altered form (e.g., "nigga") may be used among members, but this does not negate the word's extreme offensiveness when used by outsiders. This usage is highly context-dependent and controversial.
- Severe Offensiveness: The word "nigger" is considered one of the most offensive and harmful words in the English language. Its use is almost universally condemned in public and professional discourse.
- Historical Context: The term carries the weight of centuries of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. Using it evokes this painful history.
- Reclamation: Attempts to reclaim the word (often as "nigga") within some Black communities do not grant permission for others to use it. When used by non-Black people, it is virtually always perceived as a severe racial slur.
Noun (as a slur): The use of the word "nigger" in the historical document reflects the pervasive racism of that era.He was justly fired for calling his coworker a "nigger."
Noun (referencing in-group use): The debate centers on whether the reappropriation of the word "nigga" in hip-hop culture is empowering or perpetuates harm. (Note: This example discusses the word; it does not use it as a direct slur.)
- "to work like a nigger": An offensive idiom meaning to work extremely hard, often in exploitative conditions. This phrase is derogatory and should not be used.
- Nigga (n.): A variant spelling and pronunciation sometimes used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popular culture. It is not a synonym that can be used freely by non-Black individuals and remains highly contentious.
- The N-word: A common euphemism used to refer to the word "nigger" without saying it, acknowledging its power to offend.
- Slur: A general term for an insulting or disparaging remark. "Nigger" is a specific type of racial slur.
- Epithet: A term used to characterize a person, often negatively. "Racial epithet" is a formal description for words like "nigger."
There are no acceptable phrasal verbs or idioms using this word for general use. Any historical phrases containing it (like the example above) are considered offensive and should be avoided entirely. The primary "usage" of this word in modern contexts is in discussions about the word—its history, impact, and offensiveness—not as a functional part of conversational language.
- (ethnic slur) extremely offensive name for a Black person
- only a Black can call another Black a nigga