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Glite Dictionary
k-word

k-word

1 9.9
A polite way to refer to a very offensive word for a racial group that starts with K
  • noun
  • Slur
: [insulto racial que empieza por la letra k]
  • The teacher addressed the history and impact of the k-word without repeating the slur itself.

Examples

  • He was careful never to say the k-word in public discussions.

  • Media outlets often avoid printing the k-word due to its offensive nature.

  • The k-word has a long history of being used to harm others.

  • Many people find the k-word deeply offensive.

  • In discussions about race, he always refers to the k-word as a term that should not be used.

  • The k-word is often replaced with euphemisms in media to avoid causing offense.

  • Understanding the impact of the k-word helps shed light on issues of racism.

Surface Forms

k-word singular
k-words plural

Morphology

k-word = k + word (semi-transparent) = k + word

Formed from a letter + 'word' (clear morphological pattern), but the euphemistic reference to a specific offensive slur may not be fully deducible by learners.

Etymology

K-word is made like the familiar n-word: it uses the letter k plus the 'word' part to stand for a very offensive racial slur that starts with that letter. So people use k-word to talk about the slur without saying the bad word aloud.