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• N-word
  N-word

  noun

  a euphemism for the word nigger .
• n-word
  n-word

  noun

  (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the word nigger

N-word

American  

[en-wurd] / ˈɛnˌwɜrd /

Also n word or n-word

noun

1. a euphemism for the word nigger .

   His use of the highly offensive N-word during a televised broadcast caused outrage.

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n-word British  

noun

1. offensive (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the word nigger

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Usage

See nigger.

Etymology

Origin of N-word

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

They would help a black family whose car has broken down, never use the N word, even encourage equal opportunity.

From Time • Jun. 26, 2015

The "N" word – naff – is, of course, the one that everyone in this business is desperate to avoid.

From The Guardian • Jun. 18, 2014

Many people making clay heads of Lionel, inside his head, will raise awareness about obsessive behaviour, and help take the power out of it – like Lenny Bruce using the "N" word.

From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2013

Photograph: The Weinstein Company/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained is proving hugely popular amongst African American cinemagoers despite controversy over the film's depiction of slavery and its liberal use of the "N" word.

From The Guardian • Jan. 3, 2013