nigger

IPA/ˈnɪɡə(r)/
KK[nˈɪɡɚ]IPA/ˈnɪɡər/

nigger — noun

  • niggersingular
  • niggersplural

1. the most offensive word in English, used deliberately to insult, threaten, or de

1.名詞C1
釋義

the most offensive word in English, used deliberately to insult, threaten, or demean a Black person — rooted in a long history of racist violence and oppression. The word is so unacceptable that people usually refer to it as 'the n-word' instead of saying it aloud.

例句

Reuben heard an older relative describe how being called nigger in the 1960s still hurt years later.

metalinguistic: discusses the word as a historical slur

The teacher explained that nigger is the most offensive racial slur and must never be repeated.

同義詞
  • the n-word

    the standard euphemism used in polite conversation and media to refer to the slur without uttering it

反義詞
  • Black person

    neutral, respectful term for someone of African descent — the appropriate alternative in any context

文法句型

the word nigger

call someone a nigger

be called a nigger

用法筆記

⚠️ NEVER USE THIS WORD. Nigger is the most offensive racial slur in English, with a violent history tied to slavery, segregation, and racist hate crimes. Even quoting it in a classroom requires careful judgment. In almost all situations, people say 'the n-word' instead. Using nigger — even without racist intent — will cause severe offense, damage relationships, and may lead to social or professional consequences. This dictionary entry exists only for educational reference so that learners recognise the word and understand why it must never be spoken.

常見錯誤

Some Black musicians use nigger in songs, so I can say it too.
Using a slur because you hear it in music does not make it acceptable for outsiders to repeat.
💡In-group reclamation does not give people outside the group permission to use the word.
Nigger is just a strong word for a Black person.
Nigger is not a neutral term
💡it is a weaponised slur with centuries of racist violence behind it.' — Never use it as a synonym for 'Black person'.
I heard someone say nigger in a movie, so I thought it was okay to say.
Films and books may depict the word to show racism, but repeating it in real life is deeply offensive.
💡Context matters: depiction is not endorsement.