The central legal point is straightforward: The word “nigger,” however offensive it may be considered, is not itself illegal to say, write, quote, or publish in the United States. The First Amendment generally protects offensive and racist expression. Criminal threats, unlawful harassment, and discriminatory conduct are different matters. ORIGIN AND HISTORY The word ultimately derives from Latin niger, meaning “black,” through European language forms including Spanish and Portuguese negro and French nègre. English forms appeared centuries ago. Early uses did not always carry exactly the same meaning or social force, but the term became deeply associated with slavery, racial contempt, and segregation. Its derogatory character long predates the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It would be inaccurate to suggest that the term was universally neutral until recently. HAS ANYONE BEEN CONVICTED JUST FOR USING IT? I cannot substantiate a constitutionally sustained American criminal convictio...