The "N-Word" Origins and its History
The Etymology of the Word and its Evolution
By: Maurie Haith
The most basic etymologic explanation for the word nigger traces its origin to the Latin word “niger”, which means black. As the world evolved so did the word “niger” which was used as the noun “negro”, which is used to describe a black person of African, Caribbean and African American descent, just to name a few. It is simply the same, as the color Black “in Spanish and Portuguese as how Black is used in English today.
Whatever its origins, by the early 1800s it was firmly established as a denigrative epithet. Almost two centuries later, it remains a chief symbol of racism, anywhere in the world, but most specifically in the United States
The “N-Word” Evolves into a Weapon
There is no question that the words of etymologic lineage, to the actual word nigger, were bastardized over time to degrade black people. For more than 400 years every opportunity to degrade, insult and punish Black people for just being Black was attempted, and the use of the word nigger was a part of the process.
Over time, between 1619 and the early 1700s, as use of the word spread during and after the end of slavery and the Civil War, along with deliberate efforts by racists and former slave-holders to delegitimize and dehumanize Black people both legislatively and socially, the reality that emerged was that anyone categorized as a “nigger” was deemed less than human; and therefore, not due the respect and consideration of other men.
How Time has Passed but the Volatility has Not Changed
If one considers the fact that Ahmaud Arbery was called a nigger as he lay dying at the feet of the racists that murdered him, or if we take the current situation involving Joe Rogan, and consider whether he is or is not a racist or if India Arie was attacking him by pointing out specific facts surrounding the controversy by posting a serious of videos featuring Rogan, it is all relative to the volatility of the word, still in 2022.
Historically, the word nigger conveys much of the hatred and repulsion directed toward Black Americans. It was a term of exclusion, a verbal justification for discrimination and a way to ensure that everyone understood, including the ones being subjugated to it, that the nigger was not welcome. So; the origin of the “n-word” is not complex or complicated, but even today, it is no less, and is likely a lot more explosive than it was in the early years of the 20th Century.
Thank you. This is the Most Accurate presentation of this word, it’s True origins of meanings- past & present, the resounding Weight that this word STILL Carry’s today.
It is Most difficult to read this, think of the stories told to me by those whom lived during & thru the HORRIBLE things that happened in the name of that word, the way young ones Carelessly Misuse the word NOT Understanding it’s True impact & how in striving to become & be better- grownups haven’t Fully taught, wanting their kids to fit-in with their Affluent surroundings & the kids of these grownups being taught one thing/side at school & not Enough of the True Roots side at home, not wanting the kids to bare those scars & worries. Not Understanding that Without those stories about of their Roots has been lost like so Many Truths about Ourselfs because THEY told us- DONT BE…
MORE of THIS Information Desperately NEEDS to be Heard & Spread, kinda like a virus of Information&Learning… 🤗The Interweds, Flood the Interweds, in placed not searched just BAMM in their Faces like those Dang commercial in videos!!! Let kids know & Learn ALL the How, What’s, Where, Whens & Whys…especially the WHYS!!!
Sorry, got another long winded but This made me Think Back. I had the Luxury of learning from Elders that were There in the mix- as kids say!! And they left NOTHING Untold, they bared Every Scar, seen&unseen.
Its funny… You dont Really learn to Appreciate what you have & its Value, until the passage of time. My Gran would say, That’s the one thing Noone has enough of. I have been Blessed to be around some Well Versed story tellers & holders of History.
Thanks again for this breakdown & better understanding of This Word!
I just looked up your definition of the word “NIGER” for a white friend of mind. She was apologizing for having used the word as a child. I told her their was no need to apologize, as a child you do as you are told in most cases.
I’m a black man and I told her I used the word “WHITEE”, but also used the n word to put down my black friends. It’s what I was taught.
I’m older as she is too.again I told her their is no need to apologize for being a child growing up in the 20th century in AMERICA!!!
Sincerely yours,
David A. Haynes
Leave a comment