Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcard
The Oxford English Dictionary _IS_ countervailing evidence to most every other dictionary of English in the world. It's widely recognized as the dictionary of the English language.
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Yes. And the version on the Kindle is not the OED. The OED itself notes that the term is not always offensive. Specifically, it has a list of quotes "a. Used by whites or other non-blacks as a relatively neutral (or occas. positive) term, with no specifically hostile intent."
As well as a list of quotes: "b. Used by whites or other non-blacks as a hostile term of abuse or contempt."
Note also the statement at the end of this definition noting that the term is "Now usu. offensive," suggesting that the term was, historically, not always offensive.
1. Being a dark-skinned person of sub-Saharan African origin or descent; belonging or relating to dark-skinned people of sub-Saharan African origin or descent. Also (occas.) designating any dark-skinned person (see quot. 1946). See also nigger boy n. at Compounds 1. Now usu. offensive (see note at sense A. 1)."