The history and meaning of one of the most controversial words in American English
Few words in English are as charged as "nigga" and "n*gger." While the slur "n*gger" is universally recognized as offensive, fierce debates continue over the use of "nigga"—who can say it, what it means, and whether it has been reclaimed as a term of endearment among Black people. Are these two words or one word with two pronunciations, and do they have different meanings?
Wassup, My Nigga is the first book written by an African American linguist to explore the word's origin, history, and usage. Drawing on sources across time, from nineteenth-century slave narratives and ex-slave recordings to contemporary conversations on social media, the book reveals how the word's meanings vary according to context and across racial groups. It challenges myths about reclamation, explains why multiple pronunciations exist, and examines what the evidence really shows about how—and whether—meanings have changed over time.
By presenting the discussion within the context of African American English, Wassup, My Nigga sheds new light on one of the most controversial words in American English and what it reveals about language, race, and identity.
Reviews
"A masterpiece! Hiram Smith uses the science of linguistics and an exacting analysis of evidence from various languages sources (oral databases, books, speakers of different ethnicities, Twitter, Facebook, rappers, Blacks, Whites, men, women, etc.) to craft the most insightful account of 'n*gger' and 'nigga' I have ever seen!"—John R. Rickford, J. E. Wallace Sterling Professor of Linguistics and the Humanities, emeritus, Stanford University
"Wassup, My Nigga is nothing less than authentic. It thoroughly addresses everyday questions folks have about this controversial word and answers them systematically and scientifically. This is a must-have book for anyone interested in digging deep into the linguistics. My nigga, Dr. Hiram Smith, keeps it real and true to the culture."—Sonja Lanehart, professor of linguistics, University of Arizona
"Historically grounded and accessible to general audiences as well as linguists, Wassup, My Nigga is a beautifully written exploration of the word's linguistic dexterity and the complex, evolving relationship Black communities have with it. Rich and compelling, this book will stand as an authoritative text for years to come."—Minnie Quartey Annan, Minnie Quartey Annan, Department of Linguistics, Georgetown University
About the Author
Hiram L. Smith is the Ruth Everett Sierzega Chair in Linguistics at Bucknell University. He published the first historical study of "nigga" and is the first African American linguist to write a book on the word. His research interests span African American English, Afro-Hispanic creole languages, Spanish, and Pennsylvania Dutch.
