logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2022
37m 10s

Why the N-word is so toxic

NPR
About this episode
It is probably the most radioactive word in the English language. At the same time, the N-word is kind of everywhere: books, movies, music, comedy (not to mention the mouths of people who use it frequently, whether as a slur or a term of endearment.) So on this episode, we're talking about what makes the word unique — and how the rules about its use line up with other words.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Sep 15
Why can’t people be normal about the WNBA?
The WNBA is more popular than ever, but the growth has come with a lot of unwanted attention, like protests at games and death threats directed towards players. This week, we talk with independent journalist Frankie de la Cretaz about what brought all of this hate into the league ... Show More
35m 52s
Sep 11
Why we’re all being watched
There’s a growing backlash to the surveillance systems that have quietly wired themselves into American neighborhoods, with concern growing among people who have never felt watched this way before. Gene talks with historian Matthew Guariglia about how the surveillance state got b ... Show More
36m 16s
Sep 8
25 years after 9/11, our definition of terrorism continues to expand
In the 25 years since 9/11, we've seen the definition of terrorism expand. The Trump administration has called more and more groups “terrorists,” from “narco-terrorists” in Ecuador to people who protest ICE to the entire Democratic party. This week, our conversation with Saher Se ... Show More
27m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2020
Why it's so hard to talk about the N-word | Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor
Professor Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor leads a thoughtful and history-backed examination of one of the most divisive words in the English language: the N-word. Drawing from personal experience, she explains how reflecting on our points of encounter with the word can help promote prod ... Show More
19m 19s
May 2024
Who Can Say the “N” Word? | MiniPod
This week hosts Tiffany Cross, Angela Rye, and Andrew Gillum discuss the “N” word—who should say it and who should not?    With an eye towards history and pop culture, the hosts look at why some folks choose to use this word—and use it, and use it, and use it—while others think t ... Show More
26m 34s
Mar 2021
Bonus: The N-Word is Both Unspeakable and Ubiquitous. 'Still Processing' is Back, and They're Confronting it.
<p>Introducing the new season of “Still Processing.” The first episode is the one that the co-hosts Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris have been wanting to make for years. They’re talking about the N-word. It’s both unspeakable and ubiquitous. A weapon of hate and a badge of belongi ... Show More
3m 42s
Apr 2023
540. Swearing Is More Important Than You Think
<p>Every language has its taboo words (which many people use all the time). But the list of forbidden words is always changing — and those changes tell us some surprising things about ourselves. Note: The swear words in this episode have been bleeped out. To hear a version of thi ... Show More
45m 10s
Dec 2022
Foul @#$%ing Language
What is the oldest swear word in English? Does swearing help manage pain? We bring you 6 fun lessons on swearing and cursing. 
24m 42s
May 2018
Jazz artist Wynton Marsalis says rap and hip-hop are 'more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee'
The Pulitzer Prize-winning musician talks about how his new work "the ever-funky lowdown" fits in the current conversation around race and how rap and hip-hop is damaging to that conversation. This interview includes strong language, including the n-word. 
54m 40s