Words! What Are They Good For?
Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 10:51AM
It is interesting to think about the ebb and flow of a language and how words come and go depending on the times. As you know, in order to support the writers of the little books we publish, our blog readers, and our followers, Our Little Books puts out a Word of the Day on our facebook business page. These daily words are sometimes unusual. They are sometimes educational. They can also be commonplace or just downright silly. We do the Word of the Day because we work with words as a business and words are what make up the beauty of any language. But they can also get you into trouble.
Take the word niggardly for example. It is an adjective meaning stingy or cheap and unfortunately, phonetically very close to the racial “N word” slur. Although both words are completely unrelated etymologically, still the use of niggardly has caused several controversies over the past few years.
In 1999, David Howard, a white aide to the black mayor of Washington DC, used the word niggardly when he referred to the budget. One of his black co-workers became insulted and filed a complaint leading to Mr. Howard’s resignation. The gay community became outraged (Mr. Howard was gay) which then resulted in Mr. Howard being re-instated to another job. Interestingly enough, although he had used the word correctly, Mr. Howard felt he had learned from the whole situation stating, “I used to think it would be great if we could all be colorblind. That’s naïve, especially for a white person, because a white person can't afford to be colorblind. They don't have to think about race every day. An African American does.”
This one word which led to this incident, then led to a huge national debate over the correctness of whether to shun a valid word over being politically correct on racial sensitivities. What was interesting was that the majority of people, including Julian Bond, the head of the NAACP, supported the use of the word. In fact, while pointing out where people were on issues of race, Mr. Bond said, “(s)eems to me the mayor has been niggardly in his judgment on this issue.” In this incident, the dictionary won out over racial sensitivities.
There have been several other incidents surrounding the word niggardly, mostly by teachers, where a student considered their teacher racist for using the word niggardly in the classroom. Although most of the complaints stemmed from people quick to take offense and ignorant of the word’s true meaning, in most of these incidents, the teachers were chastised for their lack of sensitivity.
Should you use such a word as niggardly if that word makes people uncomfortable? Should people just chill out when it comes to a correct word in the English language that has no etymological connection what so ever to a trigger word? Both good questions. But whether you believe that no one should be restrained from using any word correctly or that you should be more reserved and sensitive to sensibilities and therefore choose not to use such a word, the bottom line is that words are powerful no matter which way you believe. As can be seen here, just one simple word can have the ability to stir up an entire nation and create a national debate.
The English language is a magnificent vehicle. Words are beautiful and words are important. As a writer, how you choose to use a word can make all the difference. So when you are writing, do think about your words and the impact they have on your reader. In fact, I think there once was a song that said: “Words. What are they good for? Absolutely everything”. And that pretty much says it all.
Reader Comments (29)
What's in a word? Everything. Language is powerful. The words we choose and the tone of voice with which we use them and the audiences we choose for our words. Words have the power to elect Presidents and break up marriages. Words have the power to teach people how to negotiate a raise or how to eat well. Choose your words well. You may have to eat them. :)
Nancy- Couldn't have said it better myself! Words can be so unappetizing sometimes. I have eaten many a rotten word during my lifetime. Something I certainly try not to do! Thanks for the comment.
Candace Davenport
The other day I commented on your word niggling, and this ("niggardly") was actually the word--and incident--I was referring to (got my phonetically similar words mixed up). I remember this incident well and found it so disturbing. I don't mind the discussion about whether "sound-alike" words have the potential to be offensive, but people seemed to have a hard time understanding that the original user of the word did not deserve any recrimination.
Sadly, the current age of sound bites, Internet rants, and "fast" everything make it increasingly difficult for careful attention to language.
That said, perhaps niggardly is one word that should be retired. It does sound like some conjugation of the N word (not that nouns or adjectives are conjugated, but you get the point).
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
This reminded me of a routine by Gallagher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFQXxWIyvQ
This is a great question. While I think that people should educate themselves better and not take an offense to something that isn't meant to be, the word should also not be used if the speaker thinks that it might be uncomfortable for other people.
David Howard obviously didn't think that it would be uncomfortable to other people so I don't think people should make such a big deal about it.
This is a great post though that helps make writers be more aware of the words they use.
Judy- Unfortunately, taking it a step further in whether or not people should have recriminations if they use a word in the correct context, a good example is niggardly. Given that Obama is black, niggardly has come back 'in fashion' and is now being used more in a dual context by people who hate him. Legitimacy shield used as a racist double entendre meaning. I don't think that kind of use is the kind that Julian Bond was thinking of...
Michael- I remember that routine! Loved it then and it still holds true.
Eric- I think that what David Woolf said after he resigned was exactly his point. He didn't feel uncomfortable with the word, yet he, as he said, totally missed the point that other people could have felt uncomfortable. There in lies the whole problem of whether to use or not to use!
Actually, I almost like that as a better title, (To Use or Not To Use. That is the Question) although I was trying to see if people picked up the reference in my current title!
Eric- Sorry! picked up your last name- should have said David Howard!
Very interesting story about word usage! I agree that when writing or speaking it is important to think first. A word like niggardly in today's world is probably not the best choice and there are other words that can convey the same meaning, so my thought is why not choose an alternative that won't cause confusion? I also agree that words are powerful tools and once something is said, it is difficult to take it back.
Donna- Isn't it interesting that place also plays a part. Louise mentioned earlier that she never thought twice about niggardly, but she is from the UK (right?). They have a completely different racial history there, so power words here might not be power words elsewhere. Very interesting!
Candace
Interesting post. I have always felt that it is the intent behind the word that is the most important. I was raised in a very strict religious environment where we were prohibited from saying words that sounded like curse words. The idea was that the intent was still there even though the word has changed. While I would never argue that ignorance is a valid reason to change behavior, I'm a non confrontational person by nature and would avoid using a word that has potential for creating misunderstanding.
Candace, you are speaking to me here, as a lover of words! And, I must tell you, I follow your "word of the day" posts & appreciate your effort. Yes, words carry great power, and the ability to choose the right word, is an art.
I absolutely Love your play on "War, what is good for? absolutely nothing..."! Nice title (I get it :) )
Yes, as I mentioned in your thread I would NEVER have connected the word niggardly with the other word in my head. But I do now and will never be able to use it again I think. Perhaps as good thing as I would hate to cause any unintentional offense by using it. I think being British might have a lot to do with my now connecting them - yes. Oh and I like the play on the song title too :)
Darcie- Yes, the intent is important. That's what is happening now with the word niggardly being associated with President Obama. It is being used in "correct" context, but the intent behind it is entirely racist. Of course the user's response is a very innocent, "What? Who me?". Very nasty.
Heidi- Thanks for following the WOD and I'm so excited that somebody recognized my play on the title! I thought it might be too obscure... but fun to do even if noone got it!
Candace Davenport
Our Litle Books
Louise- You bring up such a good point related to the whole post. You were raised in the UK which has a totally different racial history than the US. Therefore, your use of the word here may have had unintended offense while in the UK, it may not cause anyone to think twice.
This happened to me when I was travelling through Mexico, Central and South America. A slang word I picked up in Mexico was totally offensive in a couple of Central American countries. Luckily I was forgiven for being a "foreigner" speaking a second language. In your case, it is the same language, but how does one pick up something like that if you are from another place?
Words really are powerful, especially with hidden intent.
Candace Davenport
Our Little Books
I posted once before but am doing so again as part of Blogger Monday. I am glad to return and see the comments. I didn't really realize that the word is having a "new life" with people who perhaps intend racism but then hide behind the legitimate meaning of the word. I do agree that this word no longer has an innocent meaning or life. Great post!
Thanks Judy for the double commenting! I think as long as you read it and commented the first time, that would have sufficed for Blogger Monday. And nice to know that you read the blog outside of Blogger Monday. Thank you!!
I personally love the comments as much as a post.
Candace Davenport
Our Little Books
Wow, this post has really made me think. I just finished writting a chapter for a book and I am very happy the need for such words did not come up. It's sad that some people have to be hateful and use this word with such negativity, but equally sad that,because of hyper sensitivity, saying it matter of factly could ruins someone's life.
Hope- that is the dilemma! Which would you choose?
Candace
I don't recall ever hearing or reading that work before, so sadly my first thought was "they used that for the word of the day". Yep, jumped right to the "N" word. Must need to broaden my reading list!
Its as great reminder to choose our word carefully. That just because we know the origin and proper definition of a word doesn't mean everone who hears or reads it does.
WOW Candace, what a powerful post. Very interesting thanks for sharing.
Peggy
Candace, no harm intended lol.
But yeah I see what your saying and that one should think before they say. An definitely change the word usage if it might possibly offend someone. I always do :)
One would have to be more worrisome of the usage of words they use for presentations or writing so this is something to look for when one proofreads.
This is why I don't like public speaking without much time to prepare and if I worry too much about other stuff like this rather than my main message (with all good intentions) then it becomes a mess/ fail. Thats why I said that.
Love, love, love your blog. Especially this post. I'm another word lover, of course, and drawn to your blog by it's name. The name of mine is Words are Little Gods where I blog about the creative, god-like power of words. I know there is a little book of little gods in me. l look forward to following your blog. Best, Leisa tweeting: @itsleisa and @littlewordgods
Jean- Great personal example of the history of this particular word!
Leslie- Welcome to Our Little Books and especially the Our Little Books blog. Because we publish little books, words are really our business! (And love to talk with you about a little book of little gods words!) We will check out your blog (and once again, Blogger Monday scores a mutual hit!) Thanks!
Candace
Medical professionals are guilty of using terminology that is often misunderstood by the patient. Many patients will not question the professional and will not understand the seriousness of the problem. I once had a doctor tell me that if he couldn't understand my terminology no one else could understand it either.
Unfortunately most people will not ask for clarification. They will assume they know what the word means. I remember one of the first dates with my husband. He was taking me to a coon dinner. It was the kickoff to the political campaign. Since he was running for an office he said it was important we go. I was from the north so I had no idea what a coon dinner was(it was taking place in a barn in the country). I assumed since he was from the south we were wearing white robes. I was shocked and and told him I could no longer date him. It turns out we were eating raccoon. Not much better in my opinion but at least I didn't boycott the event.
Candace, you raise such an interesting and emotionally-charged issue. I, too, went to the N word when I saw niggardly. Even though I know intellectually that the two are not connected. my heart cries out at the insensitivity of using niggardly because it is so closely related in sound to the N word. I especially react when the N word is used in its proper context and not as a racial slur. I think it's a shame that people who are dissatisfied with Obama find it necessary to equate their differences in opinion to one of race. It's just another human being. I wish we could be color-blind, but as someone posted here, we cannot afford to be color-blind. People of color have to deal with the color issue every day. I choose to be sensitive to that. Will we ever get to the point of seeing another human in front of us, instead of a color?
Carolyn CJ Jones
Author, Photographer Opening the Gates of the Heart, A Journey of Healing