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Hello! Is the usage of the word “niggardly” racist?
Hello! The word "niggardly" is often misunderstood and misinterpreted because it sounds similar to a racial slur, but it is not inherently racist. The term originates from the Old Norse word "nigla," which means "to fuss about small matters." In English, "niggardly" is an adjective meaning "stingy" or "miserly."
However, because of its phonetic similarity to a racial epithet, using "niggardly" can lead to misunderstandings and offense. While the word itself is not racist, it can be considered insensitive or inappropriate in many modern contexts due to this potential for misunderstanding.
If you're looking to convey the idea of stinginess or miserliness, it might be more prudent to use one of those words, or a synonym like "parsimonious," to avoid any unintended offense.
Born on This Day
While "niggardly" isn't inherently racist, its phonetic resemblance to a racial slur can lead to misunderstanding and offense. Choose alternatives wisely.
9/20/2023
