Intragroup versus intergroup usage
Black listeners often react to the term differently, depending on whether it is used by white speakers or by black speakers. In the former case, it is regularly understood as insensitive or insulting; in the latter, it may carry notes of in-group disparagement, and is often understood as neutral or affectionate, a possible instance of
reappropriation.[
citation needed]
Among the black community, the slur ****** is almost always rendered as nikka, representing the pronunciation of the word in African American Vernacular English. This usage has been popularized by the rap and hip-hop music cultures and is used as part of an in-group lexicon and speech. It is not necessarily derogatory and, when used among black people, the word is often used to mean homie or friend.[89]
Acceptance of intra-group usage of the word
nikka is still debated,[89] although it has established a foothold amongst younger generations. The
NAACP denounces the use of both "nikka" and "******". Mixed-race usage of "nikka" is still considered taboo, particularly if the speaker is white. However, trends indicate that usage of the term in intragroup settings is increasing even amongst white youth due to the popularity of rap and hip hop culture.[90]
According to Arthur K. Spears (Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 2006)
In many African-American neighborhoods, nikka is simply the most common term used to refer to any male, of any race or ethnicity. Increasingly, the term has been applied to any person, male or female. "Where y'all nikkas goin?" is said with no self-consciousness or animosity to a group of women, for the routine purpose of obtaining information. The point: nikka is evaluatively neutral in terms of its inherent meaning; it may express positive, neutral or negative attitudes;[91]
While Kevin Cato observes:
For instance, a show on Black Entertainment Television, a cable network aimed at a black audience, described the word ****** as a "term of endearment."
"In the African American community, the word nikka (not ******) brings out feelings of pride" (Davis 1). Here the word evokes a sense of community and oneness among black people. Many teens I interviewed felt that the word had no power when used amongst friends,
but when used among white people the word took on a completely different meaning. In fact, comedian Alex Thomas on BET stated, "I still better not hear no white boy say that to me... I hear a white boy say that to me, it means 'White boy, you gonna get your ass beat.'"[92]