For various reasons I have been thinking about the N word recently.
One reason was a comment that ‘at least he did not say niggardly’ – made by someone for whom this word is offensive
Like most British people I was surprised when that particular dispute blew up, since the word was familiar & not associated, in any of our minds at least, with the N word. But when even experts said the etymology was unknown, we took note of the offence it could cause
The slave etymology was not overwhelmingly convincing & this time round I found myself considering possible alternatives
It could well have a connection with niggling, meaning paying excessive attention to detail when applied to a person or causing slight but persistent discomfort, anxiety, or annoyance when applied to a pain
However, niggle itself is of uncertain origin, and in one , now rare use, can even mean the F word!
And then I thought of the place called Nigg, a very ancient name in Scotland
Of course! We all know that the Scots are famous for their meanness! Niggardly means as generous as someone from Nigg!
All things considered, definitely a word worth avoiding
