The "N" word, Where did it come from?

Question

I really want to know if the word is truelly offencive to black people, and if so, Why? Where did the word first come from?
I would like the history on the word, and why it is a big deal.
Would be nice to hear from Black people on this subject..
Im just trying to understand Why a word is offencive to a pictular race of people.

Answer 1

The N word simply means (according to Mr. Webster) ignorant, lazy, stupid, the word "*********" is The true word however slave owners had given this word power over the slaves knowing that physchologically (forgive me if i didnt spell that word right) it would deeply affect a persons subconcious. They clearly knew what it truly meant and used it to demean and dehumanize. Black folks (particularly those living in the inner cities, like in my neck of the woods Harlem NYC.) Speak to one another with this word because its a way to identify with one anothers social and economic status as well as education. Educated black people im sure dont call one another this, but amongst the poor and miseducated blacks they do and call it cool. It's a stupid logic and a word that should be banned from the lexicons on our time. I dont use it because it is demeaning, i do not find any endearment in it. I have never called a friend this either. If im angry about something black people have done particulary stupid, i would blurt it out but it does me no good to call another person this, it gives me no power.

Answer 2

I'm not black, but I think I can answer the question. The word is a derivative of "*****" which originates from the Latin word "niger" which means black. The history of the n-word is that it was used as a slur as soon as it was invented, it was used by slave owners to slur their slaves and to label them in a derogatory way. This should make clear why the word is offensive.

Answer 3

I thinks it is a perjorative (derogative term) for the word "*****". I have always been told that it means ignorant person, but have never seen any proof of this...I guess people of color feel its ok because we experience color based predjudice in everyday life, while the White person does not. It can be offensive, you know when some people say it they really mean that they think brown skinned people are less human that they are...you can tell...

Answer 4

Niger means black in several languages. The extra "g" in the "n" word denotes the person.
It should not be offensive. However, we have been "taught" that it is a racial slur. And, it is "when" used as one.
Thats the best I can do with it.

Answer 5

It is from the Latin word niger, which means black. Also means a member of a socially disadvantaged class.

Answer 6

That word is offensive to a particular race of people because it makes them feel small...and it is not just...

Answer 7

*****=black in spanish

niger = black in latin

they simply used the word for "black" from other languages

Answer 8

If you really want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, get a ticket to a Detroit Pistons basketball game and during half time run out on the court and yell: Hay, any of you Mo Fo "N"s got watermellon. I bet they let you know if it bothers them and you won't have to go around doing any more dumb research.
Come to think of it, you may not be able to do any more research, or talk, or walk.

Answer 9

Nigeria is in West Africa and the English were never to keen on properly addressing peoples. "We know this isn't India but we're still gonna call them Indians."