# Have you used niggardly in conversation? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 11, 2010, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291 "2010-11-11T09:25:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/221 "2010-11-16T07:48:45Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > Threads like this, full of internet social vigilantism and absolutist, literalist principled chest-thumping, make me rofl in my waffle. > > According to this slice of the interwebs, over ~65% of you use a word with proven and deep-seeded associations to perhaps the single most inflammatory word in the English repertoire. . Actually I would suggest that you should say in the AMERICAN repertoire. I can’t recall EVER hearing the word nigger in conversation during my childhood on anything other than TV. Until I saw the thread here, I had never thought to connect nigger and niggardly. It simply wouldn’t occur to me. But then, niggle and niggling are both in very common use back home, so I would have assumed it belongs to the same family long before I would connect it to a slang term for African American. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/222 "2010-11-16T14:25:30Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > There’s no rational reason for you to be so sure that people who make this judgement are always or even usually wrong. The thread I linked to unambiguously shows that people–some of the same progressive Dopers that you referenced earlier–will gleefully use the word just to provoke. > > But go on and pretend that the evidence hasn’t been presented to you or act like none of it matters. People who use “niggardly” are pure as the driven snow! Anyone who thinks otherwise is bad and stupid! Yay! You are I think deliberately misreading. What part of this: > [@](#): > > assuming that the context doesn’t demonstrate an actual intent to offend Was unclear? No-one denies that a person could use the term as a slur - just like, in context, they could use literaly dozens of other words as slurs. What we are saying here is that the very fact someone could use a word as a slur, does not make the word forever _verboten_. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/223 "2010-11-16T14:34:22Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > assuming that the context doesn’t demonstrate an actual intent to offend, and make themselves look foolish in doing so. In 2010 in the United States, I can’t think of a context where I would make this assumption. People on this board saying they’ll use the word for the express purpose of offending people add to my impression that it’s generally used with an intent to tweak at the very least. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/224 "2010-11-16T14:49:51Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > In 2010 in the United States, I can’t think of a context where I would make this assumption. People on this board saying they’ll use the word for the express purpose of offending people add to my impression that it’s generally used with an intent to tweak at the very least. We aren’t all _from_ the US, for a start. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/225 "2010-11-16T15:02:53Z")
I realize that, which is why I said in 2010 in the United States and not just in 2010. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/226 "2010-11-16T15:06:15Z")
Context is always important. Even the actual n-word, if offered during a discussion of what Huck should have done following Jim’s capture by the Phelpses, is not offensive. My only point here is that niggardly is not _per se_ offensive. Obviously I agree if it’s being using by some snickering idiot with sidelong glances to see if his point is being made, it’s offensive and inappropriate. > [@jsgoddess](#): > > In 2010 in the United States, I can’t think of a context where I would make this assumption. People on this board saying they’ll use the word for the express purpose of offending people add to my impression that it’s generally used with an intent to tweak at the very least. This is where I disagree. You suggest that the default assumption should be “intended to offend.” I don’t agree. What’s wrong with simply asking if the word was used correctly, in a context that doesn’t otherwise evoke racial awareness? Band-aids at camp? Not a hotbed of racial contention. Obama’s budget policies? Yes, sadly, there’s a racial element possible there, so there I’d grant your inference. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/227 "2010-11-16T15:12:41Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I realize that, which is why I said in 2010 in the United States and not just in 2010. Hence, there is already a whole world of contexts in which the notion of racially-charged meaning would not apply. Add to that a bunch of other situations and contexts, even in the US - as **Bricker** has suggested. Point being, taking offense is not clearly the default for the general use of the word. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/228 "2010-11-16T15:27:55Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > Point being, taking offense is not clearly the default for the general use of the word. For you. And, to clarify, I do not “take offense” at the word. I am suspicious of those who use it now, and as people on the Dope who say they will use it to deliberately offend and tweak and that sign I linked to shows, I’m right. What you do with this information is completely up to you. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/229 "2010-11-16T15:35:56Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > For you. > > And, to clarify, I do not “take offense” at the word. I am suspicious of those who use it now, and as people on the Dope who say they will use it to deliberately offend and tweak and that sign I linked to shows, I’m right. > > What you do with this information is completely up to you. Fair enough. Does that mean you are “suspicious” of 70% of the 152 Dopers who responded to the poll in this thread - who responded that they used the word? To my mind, it is simply inconceivable that the vast majority of Dopers who responded to this poll are actually closet race-baiters - for one, the Dope is hardly a font of racist sentiment. I’d have thought the reverse. Isn’t it rather more likely that the “suspicion” is simply incorrect? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/230 "2010-11-16T16:11:35Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > Isn’t it rather more likely that the “suspicion” is simply incorrect? You are welcome to think so. And when dopers say that they deliberately use the word to cause offense, you are welcome to excuse that in whatever way you can think of. I won’t find it persuasive. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2010, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/231 "2010-11-16T16:23:01Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > And, to clarify, I do not “take offense” at the word. I am suspicious of those who use it now, and as people on the Dope who say they will use it to deliberately offend and tweak and that sign I linked to shows, I’m right.. The sign shows nothing of the sort. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2010, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/232 "2010-12-01T06:48:10Z")
> [@Manwich](#): > > Really Stoid? You don’t care if the people you are talking to don’t understand you? Certainly. But (depending..) I’m less likely to adjust my vocabulary to match theirs than I am to educate them. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2015, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/233 "2015-07-21T18:10:09Z")
Other, and it’s a toss-up between options 1 and 3 - in that I know the word ; I know what it means ; but I wouldn’t use it myself. Not because it offends anybody, it’s just an old fogey word :). I’d use greedy, miserly, stingy, mean with money, cheap/cheapskate or possibly tighter than a duck’s arse. The word niggardly would be very unlikely to pop up in my head to express that idea. [QUOTE=SkaldTheRhymer] But then I’m a large black man. [/QUOTE] They did say you was hung ! 🙂 > [@Chefguy](#): > > It’s just a word. So’s “nigger”, if you want to go that way. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2015, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/234 "2015-07-21T19:40:00Z")
Maybe a new poll would be interesting? See if attitudes have changed the last 4-5 years. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2015, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/235 "2015-07-21T20:11:58Z")
I have never used the word, though I’ve long known hat it meant from old English novels. And I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use the word in conversation. In and of itself, it’s a harmless word, BUT I can easily imagine a genuine racist using it coyly and slyly… as if he’s trying to insult someone while maintaining an innocent pose. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2015, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/236 "2015-07-21T20:41:00Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > I’ve long known hat it meant from old English novels. “A term I would never utter!” he ejaculated. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2015, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/237 "2015-07-22T00:25:08Z")
> [@Manwich](#): > > Maybe I am in the minority but my immediate response was no, of course I don’t use it casually in conversation. It is a somewhat obscure word and it sounds like a racial slur. I haven’t ever had a problem conveying my meaning without this word. I am a born smart-arse, but I try to curb my natural impulses. If I think my audience understands the word and its connotations (or lack thereof) I would us it. . . . I don’t use it…but that’s largely out of cowardice. I once used it in a story, and my editor suggested, politely, that it could be misunderstood. I’ve followed that advice since. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2015, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/238 "2015-07-22T00:42:08Z")
I tend to be rather niggardly in how often I use the term. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2015, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/239 "2015-07-22T01:20:34Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > I learned the word when I was in middle school. But I don’t use it in conversations for the same reason I don’t use the word “dullard” or “loquacious” when I could just as easily say “stupid person” or “blabbermouth”. Yes, I too have yet to rise to a level of pretention that saying it in a casual conversation would occur to me. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291/240 "2015-07-22T02:15:02Z")
From the looks of it, I never responded to this poll, and it’s probably because none of the answers fit me. I know the word. I generally have no problem with it being used. I would never use it in casual conversation because that’s just not a word that would ever come up in casual conversation with me, except, perhaps, in discussion of the word “niggardly.” It’s not because of racial connotations, but because the word is so far outside my conversational vocabulary, it would never be used. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-used-niggardly-in-conversation/560291.md?page=13)