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kafir

kafir

1 9.9
An insulting racist word for Black people in South Africa
  • noun
  • Slur
: [insulto racial contra personas negras]
  • She was deeply hurt by the racist slur kafir directed at her.

Examples

  • The use of the word kafir is strictly condemned and considered hate speech in South Africa.

  • Modern literature and law recognize kafir as an unacceptable term embodying historical racism.

  • Don't ever call someone a kafir!

  • Using the term kafir is unacceptable in any context.

  • In South Africa, the term kafir is not only offensive but also carries a painful history of discrimination.

  • She reported the incident where the word kafir was used against her, highlighting the need for greater awareness of hate speech.

  • Many activists work to eliminate the use of the word kafir from public discourse to promote respect and equality.

Compounds

kafir corn
  • Archaic
9.9

A type of grain plant grown for food and animal feed

How Offensive

kafir
  • Slur
1 9.9
insult
  • Offensive
286 1.3

Surface Forms

kafir singular
kafirs plural

Etymology

Kafir comes from the Arabic word kafara, which means 'to cover' and was used for someone who 'did not believe'. In South Africa the word became a hateful name for Black people, so it is now a very offensive slur.