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Originally Posted by KnifeMissle
What dictionary are you using? I'd like to see what other words it finds "offensive." Does it mention that it's a racial slur? I suspect it won't and that's because it's not. According to an internet source, its etymology is Scandanavian and its use dates back to the fourteenth century and far predates the racial slur. Did you read "often offensive" in your dictionary and assume that must have meant that it bore similar roots to the word "nigger?" It also said "often offensive." Does that mean it's not necessarily offensive? What is your issue, exactly?
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I was pointing out that my dicsionary (the one that came with widgets on my Mac, not sure what edition or publisher) mistakenly says that the meaning is offensive. It's cultural, and it's widespread.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sapiens
This is not an apt comparison. The etymological roots of niggardly differ from the etymological roots of nigger. Saying niggardly is nothing like saying "gookly" or "beanerly" (Both of which I've never heard of, but if they are actual words, I would wager that their etymological roots are racist). I do agree that it is absurd to be fired for saying "niggardly". The decision to fire the guy seems to be a result of the ignorance of those who heard him rather than his own ignorance. Sometimes people lose their jobs for being politically insensitive. Sometimes, it may be appropriate. This isn't one of those times.
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I was being sarcastic. Gookly and beanerly aren't words that I am aware of, but I was pointing out that people are quick to react when they hear something that even sounds like, but does not share a meaning, with the "n" word.