Seven Red

Jan 27 2008

The “C” Word…And It’s Not What You Think

Posted by topspun at 1:49 pm under Language-y Stuff

When it comes to bizarre and inscrutable linguistic events, this one really takes the cake.

Apparently – and I’m still not sure I believe it – some people who would otherwise use the “N” word have opted for a substitute. Ready? It’s “Canadian,” as in “There are a lot of Canadians in that neighborhood.”

I’m not smart enough to understand how this transformation would work or spread or gain any kind of traction in a population, so I’ll just point you to the two articles that make the claim:

In the U.S. south, is Canadian a new racial slur?

When is a Canadian not a Canadian?

3 comments

3 Responses to “The “C” Word…And It’s Not What You Think”

Jordynnon 28 Jan 2008 at 6:14 pm

I obviously find this pretty shocking and offensive… It is sad to hear that people have a low opinion of Canada, but it is even sadder to hear that there is a need for a “code word” for African Americans in order to mask racist speech and actions.
topspunon 29 Jan 2008 at 11:52 pm

It’s completely unbelievable, isn’t it? I’m totally mystified by it.
a refugee from "niether necessary nor sufficient"on 31 Jan 2008 at 9:15 pm

I can simply verify as fact the use of “Canadian” to refer to African-Ameiricans. While I was not sharp enough to inuit it, I suspect you are correct that it is often a substitute for the “N” word.