Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

niggerhead

Noun

/ˈnɪɡərˌhɛd/

Definition

A term that has historically been used to refer to a specific type of plant or rock formation, but is now considered highly offensive and derogatory.

Examples

The term ‘niggerhead’ is used in some local contexts to refer to a certain type of rock, though its use is controversial.
In historical documents, the word appeared to describe geographic landmarks in the southern United States.

Meaning

The word originally described a geographical feature but has become associated with racial slurs and derogatory terminology, making it unacceptable in contemporary use.