Russian · Never Say This
Хач
khach
KHAHCH · /xat͡ɕ/
Slur for people from the Caucasus
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"(ethnic slur; from Armenian 'khach', cross, via the name Khachik)"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
A derogatory slur aimed at people from the Caucasus and, loosely, anyone read as "southern" or non-Slavic. You'll hear it from bigots and in careless slang; it is a genuine ethnic slur with ugly baggage. Included solely so you recognize hostility when it's in the air — never a word for a traveler to use. There is no "acceptable" register for it.
Heard in the wild
(heard as a slur — never to be repeated)
(heard as a slur — never to be repeated)
Where it lands
Russia; ethnic slur — comprehension only, never say
Quick answers
- What does "Хач" mean?
- In Russian, "Хач" means "Slur for people from the Caucasus". Literally it's "(ethnic slur; from Armenian 'khach', cross, via the name Khachik)". A derogatory slur aimed at people from the Caucasus and, loosely, anyone read as "southern" or non-Slavic. You'll hear it from bigots and in careless slang; it is a genuine ethnic slur with ugly baggage. Included solely so you recognize hostility when it's in the air — never a word for a traveler to use. There is no "acceptable" register for it.
- Is "Хач" 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 "Хач"?
- Say it "KHAHCH" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: xat͡ɕ.
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