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  1. What does the verb "nig" mean? - English Language & Usage …

    Jan 4, 2015 · One might assume that "nig" is a back-formation from "renege", which according to Wiktionary can pronounced like "re-nig". "Renege" means to break a promise, and filling a jug …

  2. Origin of "picnic"? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    Oct 1, 2015 · Pick-a-nig was a gathering for slave traders and their families back in the 17th/18th centuries. They would get together after slave trading and have a big party, called pick-a-nig.

  3. how did the epithet "nigger" come into usage?

    My research has resulted in theoretical reasons for the usage of the term "nigger", and I have failed to uncover any evidence as to how this nasty little epithet evolved into the usage and …

  4. meaning - Does "renege" have any racial overtones, or is it …

    7 I've never heard it used with racial overtones. Medieval Latin renegare First Known Use: 1548 My guess would be they were overreacting to the 'nig' syllable. I would concur with Daniel and …

  5. 19th century American English "slang"?

    Dec 11, 2014 · Nig can also be short for niggle: to find fault constantly and trivially; carp. (as in argue over your hand or something? Shuck is a verb, to remove the outer husk of corn. The …

  6. At Night or In the Night? - English Language & Usage Stack …

    Mar 13, 2015 · Why do we refer to morning, afternoon and evening as 'in the morning', 'in the afternoon', 'in the evening' but not 'in the night' instead we say 'at night.'

  7. The line between inappropriate and acceptable use of the n-word …

    Jan 17, 2025 · I would like to understand the nuances behind the use of the word "nigga" in various situations. I am Japanese and have never lived in Western …

  8. Why does "big cheese" mean someone important?

    Aug 13, 2012 · I think the emphasis is more on "big" than on "cheese". Someone important can also be called a "big wheel," or a "bigwig," a "big gun," a "big shot," or the "big kahuna." Just a …

  9. etymology - Bada bing, Bada boom; Is it that easy? - English …

    May 12, 2020 · The expression "bada bing" and often accompanied by "bada boom" is used when something was very easily accomplished or as an euphemism of the nastier bits of something …

  10. When and why did the N-word and "negro" go apart?

    Jan 17, 2014 · Both the terms nigger and negro come from the Spanish and Portuguese Negro which denotes "black". But today they have widely different connotations, the former is …