logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2022
37m 13s

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.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Aug 20
How Trump's D.C. takeover criminalizes homelessness
On August 11, President Trump announced his intention to "rescue" the nation's capital. A central feature of his plan involved using federal officials to remove people experiencing homelessness from the city — people that he listed alongside "violent gangs, bloodthirsty criminals ... Show More
39m 27s
Aug 13
Statelessness, but make it funny
Mo Amer is the creator and star of the hit Netflix comedy series Mo. It's a first-of-its kind Palestinian-American sitcom with a fraught plot line about the American immigration system and the hope to return, at least for a visit, to his family's homeland. We talk to Mo Amer what ... Show More
30m 42s
Aug 5
Hot weather kills. Who gets protected?
The heat disproportionately kills poor, elderly and people of color. So on this episode we're focusing on the lives of those impacted, from roofers in Florida to prisoners who live and die in cells that feel more like ovens in Texas. We’re asking why so many people are dying from ... Show More
32 m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
The N-Word
It’s the episode we’ve been wanting to make for years. In our season premiere, we’re talking about the N-word. It’s both unspeakable and ubiquitous. A weapon of hate and a badge of belonging. After centuries of evolution, it’s everywhere — art, politics, everyday banter — and it ... Show More
51m 22s
Mar 2021
Bonus: The N-Word is Both Unspeakable and Ubiquitous. 'Still Processing' is Back, and They're Confronting it.
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 belonging. ... Show More
3m 42s
Apr 2023
540. Swearing Is More Important Than You Think
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 this e ... Show More
45m 10s
Sep 2019
I Hate This 4 Letter Word
Episode 641 - Today I will be talking about my least favorite 4 letter word. It's not the F word, I love that word. It is a different word, the word that I think holds most people back because they don't think that they have it but other people do. What is the word? Well listen t ... Show More
10m 2s
Apr 2021
The Queen's Squeak
"Dialects" is one of those words tossed around a lot when talking about human language. They indicate where a speaker is from. But dialects aren't exclusive to humans; scientists have known for a while that whales and songbirds also show these variations in language. Today, NPR s ... Show More
11m 25s
Feb 2024
Word Power | Ephemeral
This episode of English Plus Podcast's Word Power series takes you through the fascinating concept of 'Ephemeral'. Learn about this intriguing word, its applications in various situations, and its underlying significance in our lives. Unearth the beauty of the fleeting and transi ... Show More
5m 12s
Feb 2024
Like, here's the episode on "like"
Like is a very divisive word. Purists think it's like, a filler word born in the 80s that's like, destroying the English language. Turns out none of these are like, true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
38m 46s
Sep 2023
Short Stuff: History of OK
Is OK the best word? It's certainly one of the most versatile. Check the interesting history of this weird contraction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
14m 48s
Oct 2022
Peaks and Politics | Word Power
In this Word Power episode, we will talk about Peaks and Politics, and in the context of our story for today, you’re going to learn 10 new words that you can add to your active vocabulary bank.  Practice what you learn in the episode on https://englishpluspodcast.com/peaks-and-po ... Show More
23m 6s
Jul 2014
62 - Using Bad Words Out on the Town
In this episode of RealLife Radio you are going to discover the most EXPENSIVE place to use bad words in the world! Plus you're gonna get a whole lot of new vocabulary all related to going out with friends and having fun, and the confusing difference between the words house and h ... Show More
27m 24s