Buzz
The term 'Nigger' carries an unparalleled level of stigma, especially in the United States, where it is widely reviled. Its infamy is so profound that even unrelated words have been labeled as offensive simply because they sound similar. These include everyday vocabulary, geographical names, botanical terms, and business titles.
Each of these words and names has a unique origin entirely separate from the n-word, yet they have been mistakenly associated with it. Society now advises avoiding these terms or mastering their proper pronunciations (for names) to prevent unintended backlash or becoming a target of cancel culture.
9. Niggardly
Niggardly is an entirely non-racist term, signifying someone who is stingy or miserly. However, its meaning has been overshadowed by its phonetic similarity to the n-word, despite the two being etymologically unrelated. This has led to widespread controversy whenever the word is used.
Even Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent Democrat, recently faced backlash when a 1986 video surfaced showing him using the term while serving as mayor of Burlington, Vermont. In the clip, he stated, 'I won’t be niggardly when it comes to funding daycare programs.'
Bernie Sanders is among numerous politicians and public servants who have encountered issues due to the word’s usage. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) also stirred controversy in 2012 when he employed the term during a discussion about veterans’ funding.
In 2009, a California teacher from Ukiah was compelled to resign following allegations of racism after using the word during negotiations with school district officials. He criticized the district for being 'negative and niggardly.' Lois Nash, the district superintendent involved in the talks, is African-American.
In 2002, a North Carolina teacher faced disciplinary action after using the word in class. An African-American student took offense, sparking outrage. The teacher was pressured to apologize for allegedly failing to consider the diverse student body.
The most notable case involved David Howard, an aide to Washington DC Mayor Anthony Williams, who resigned in 1999 after using the word. The mayor, misinformed about its meaning, initially accepted Howard’s apology, believing it to be a racial slur.
The controversy surrounding the Howard incident was so significant (and unprecedented at the time) that Julian Bond, the NAACP Chairman, criticized Howard’s detractors, stating:
“It’s unfortunate to feel compelled to alter your language due to others’ misunderstandings. David Howard shouldn’t have resigned. Mayor Williams ought to reinstate him and provide dictionaries to any staff members who require them.”
Mayor Williams eventually rehired Howard after recognizing the word was not racially offensive.
8. Nigaz
In 2009, Nigeria’s national oil corporation, NNPC, announced a joint venture with Gazprom, a Russian state-controlled gas company, to construct refineries, gas pipelines, and power plants in Nigeria. The collaboration was named Nigaz.
The name carried no racial connotations. Nigaz is derived from the initial two letters of Nigeria and the first three of Gazprom. It doesn’t even sound like the n-word, being pronounced as 'nye-gaz.'
Some Nigerians, however, were unfazed by the name. When questioned about the joint venture, an anonymous Nigerian man remarked, 'White people are overreacting. As long as the Russians pay us, they can name it whatever they want.'
7. Negre
Negro and negre are French terms referring to black individuals. However, the American 'Negro' differs significantly from its French counterpart. While both carry negative implications, the French version is more severe. In the U.S., 'Negro' is sometimes accepted, especially in historical contexts, but the French 'Negro' is akin to the American 'nigger.'
Despite this, the French still use 'negre' in everyday language. It can describe a person of color or serve as slang for a ghostwriter. Interestingly, even white French authors sometimes refer to themselves as 'negres.'
The term 'negre' emerged in the 1700s as a synonym for ghostwriter, reflecting writers' acknowledgment of working anonymously for others. Interestingly, French authors who casually use 'negre' are often taken aback when encountering early American literature where black individuals were referred to as 'Negroes.'
The distinction between American and French uses of 'Negro' and 'negre' has occasionally sparked disputes. For instance, in 2010, French cosmetics magnate Jean-Paul Guerlain remarked on live television that he 'worked like a negre' to create his iconic Samsara perfume.
Initially, no one objected to Guerlain’s statement until Audrey Pulvar, a newscaster from Martinique, a French Caribbean island, accused him of racism. Protesters soon gathered outside Guerlain’s flagship store, demanding a boycott of his products. He was dismissed, marking the end of over a century of Guerlain family perfumers at the renowned company.
6. Nigger Rapids
Nigger Rapids is a fast-flowing section of the Gatineau River in Bouchette, Quebec, Canada. Though Bouchette is relatively obscure and often omitted from maps, the town and river gained attention when the rapids' controversial name came to light.
The origin of the rapids' name remains somewhat unclear. One Bouchette resident claims it was named after a black man who perished when floating logs blocked his path on the river. Another theory suggests it was named after a piece of equipment used in sawmills along the river over 150 years ago.
This theory holds weight, as sawmills once utilized equipment sharing a name with the n-word. However, official records indicate the name first appeared in 1912 when Reverend Joseph Guinard discovered the remains of two black individuals by the river. He buried them near the rapids and named the site in their memory.
Regardless of the true origin, the name itself carries no racist intent. However, this did not stop calls for its renaming due to its offensive connotations. Some argued the name should remain as it reflects the town’s history, while others pushed for change.
5. Niggle
In 2017, the Daily Mail faced accusations of racism over a front-page editorial on Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle. The tabloid featured a photo of the couple with the headline, 'Yes, they’re joyfully in love. So why do I have a niggling worry about this engagement picture?'
The term 'niggling' is the focus here. It bears no connection to the n-word, though it might sound similar depending on pronunciation. Derived from 'niggle,' it describes a persistent feeling of annoyance, worry, or unease.
Those familiar with the Daily Mail recognize it as a tabloid known for sensational headlines, stories, and rumors to boost sales. Many believe the publication aimed to stir controversy for profit. However, others suspect racist undertones, given Meghan Markle’s biracial background—her father is white, and her mother is African-American.
4. Negro Point
Negerfjellet (pictured), Negerdalen, and Negerpynten are terms unique to Norway, referring to a mountain, valley, and headland, respectively. These names may seem ordinary to English speakers until they learn that 'Neger' translates to 'Negro.'
Like others on this list, these names lack racist origins. The mountain was named for its surrounding black rocks, while Negerpynten, meaning 'Negro Point,' was named due to the abundance of black stones in the area.
The names sparked minor controversy in Norway a few years ago when some individuals called for renaming these geographical features. Rune Berglund of Norway’s Antiracist Center argued the names were offensive. However, the Norwegian Polar Institute, responsible for naming locations, decided to retain the names.
3. Nyjer Seeds
The African yellow daisy, Guizotia abyssinica, is a small, black, exotic birdseed highly valued by American bird enthusiasts, as some birds exclusively consume it. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, it is exported to the U.S.
Originally called Niger seed by American importers, it was renamed Nyjer by the American Wild Bird Feeding Industry to avoid racial connotations. The seed is named after Nigeria, where it grows, or Niger, a neighboring African country.
The Wild Bird Feeding Industry explained the name change was necessary because buyers often mispronounced 'Niger' similarly to the n-word, despite its correct pronunciation being 'nee-jair' or 'nye-jerr.' This caused confusion and discomfort among consumers.
The pronunciation issue eventually led sellers to rebrand the seeds as 'thistle seeds.' However, this name caused confusion, as buyers often mistook them for seeds of the invasive thistle weed. Some city councils even attempted to ban their sale due to this misunderstanding. Consequently, the American Wild Bird Feeding Industry settled on the name 'Nyjer.'
2. Negerball
Each year, the village of Raindorf in Bavaria, Germany, hosts a charity event named Negerball. The proceeds support life-saving initiatives in underdeveloped African nations. The event, running for over 40 years, was previously called 'Young People Dance for Africa' before its renaming.
While the ball itself is far from racist, the name 'Negerball' translates to 'Negro ball' or 'nigger ball' in English, despite lacking any racist intent.
The Negerball controversy highlights the linguistic differences between standard German and the Bavarian dialect. While both Germans and Bavarians view 'nigger' as outright racist, Germans find 'Negro' offensive but not necessarily racist, whereas Bavarians see it as a neutral term for black individuals.
KiRiKi later rebranded the event as Negaball, which closely resembles the controversial Negerball. However, sources clarify that 'nega' stands for 'Niederbayerische Entwicklungshilfe zu Gunsten Afrika,' meaning 'Lower Bavarian development aid to benefit Africa.'
1. Nigger Hill, Nigger Stream, and Niggerhead
In 2016, New Zealand renamed two hills and a stream due to the offensive nature of their original names. Niggerhead Hill became Tawhai Hill, Nigger Hill was renamed Kanuka Hill, and Nigger Stream was changed to Pukio Stream. The new names were derived from the indigenous Maori language.
The origins of the original names remain unclear, but records suggest they were inspired by the carex secta, a grass species native to New Zealand, also known as niggerhead, which grows abundantly around these geographical features.
New Zealand’s land information minister, Louise Upston, stated that the renaming was necessary because the old names were offensive and inconsistent with the country’s values and vision.
