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societyMar 23, 202237:10pending

Why the N-word is so toxic

Code Switch

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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.

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Why the N-word is so toxic

Code Switch

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