This week's theme
Terms that appear offensive but aren't

This week's words
queer street
niggler
tar baby
cockshy
niggard

This week's comments
AWADmail 567

Next week's theme
Verbs

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(NIG-hurd)

MEANING:

noun: A mean, stingy person.
adjective: Stingy.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Middle English nigard, of Scandinavian origin. Earliest documented use: 1384.

NOTES:

Today's word has nothing to do with the N-word; however, the similarity in sound has led people to object to it. It's seen more often in its adjectival/adverbial form, niggardly, as in: "Japan has the world's second-largest economy, yet its promised $200m so far is niggardly." (The Economist). In the US, the word has become radioactive and its use has led to many controversies.

USAGE:

"It is a niggard's gift that costs the giver nothing."
George R.R. Martin; A Dance with Dragons; Bantam Books; 2011.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: