Italian · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say
Negro
NEH-gro · /ˈne.ɡro/
Racial slur — comprehension only.
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"(racial slur)"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
A false friend that trips up English speakers badly: older Italians may still use "negro" thinking it neutral, but in current usage it is a racial slur, full stop, and "di colore" or "nero" are the acceptable terms. Do not let its familiar sound tempt you into using it. Listed here purely so you recognize it and understand the offense when it's spoken.
Heard in the wild
[an outdated, offensive usage — do not imitate it]
[a racial slur some still use carelessly; recognize it, never repeat it]
Where it lands
Nationwide; offensive in current usage
Quick answers
- What does "Negro" mean?
- In Italian, "Negro" means "Racial slur — comprehension only.". Literally it's "(racial slur)". A false friend that trips up English speakers badly: older Italians may still use "negro" thinking it neutral, but in current usage it is a racial slur, full stop, and "di colore" or "nero" are the acceptable terms. Do not let its familiar sound tempt you into using it. Listed here purely so you recognize it and understand the offense when it's spoken.
- Is "Negro" offensive?
- Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
- How do you pronounce "Negro"?
- Say it "NEH-gro" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ˈne.ɡro.
Related in Italian
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