Re: Re: QUEER, FAG, and the "N" Word

[RonButters at AOL.COM]

I think, too, that the valences of QUEER and FAG may well be changing faster 
than dictionaries can keep up with them. This is always a danger with "vulgar" 
words.

Even NIGGER was perhaps somewhat more acceptable in the 1970s in certain 
circles, e.g. "The White Nigger" and "The Student as Nigger" were two well-known 
phrases from that era. Any dictionary maker would have to take such usages into 
consideration -- even as early 21st century lexicography should, I think, 
make reference to the widespread use of "nigga."

In a message dated 6/13/03 10:36:43 AM, abatefr at EARTHLINK.NET writes:


> Quick reply re what Larry H and Ron B said on this --
> 
> You are right, Larry, and the wording in NOAD was intentionally weasely,
> only suggesting a similarity with how _queer_ has come to be used.
> 
> And let not anyone think that Ron should bear any criticism for what was
> finally said at that entry in NOAD.  He and other advisors suggested some
> ideas on how we might treat _nigger_, but what was actually written is the
> sole responsibility of the NOAD staff.
> 
> Frank Abate
>