Term for caucasian. Derogatory.
Origin unknown for certain.
Possibly derived from the Wolof word "xonk" (pronounced like "honk," but with a guttural H at the beginning), meaning "red." Wolof people in West Africa sometimes call white people "xonk-nopp," or "red-ears." It has been speculated that first generation Wolof-speaking slaves may have popularized this term.

Skeptics might point out that the most slaves came from south-west Africa and further east in West-Africa than Senegal, where Wolof people live.

However, many slaves passed through Goree' Island, near Dakar, the largest Wolof city. So the term could have been popularized there.
Also, the Wolof language, having developed as a trade language, is relatively easy to pick up in its most basic form. It is also a rather staccato and crisp language, which might make it easier for non-speakers to pick up on particular words. Lastly, Wolof is spoken in a way that seems unnecessarily aggressive, even when its not intended to be. (The Wolof are sometimes referred to as the "Germans of Africa") This all might tend to make make a derogatory Wolof word catch on relatively faster than a similar Mandink or Ibo word among a multilingual group like first generation slaves.

In Wolof (A major language in West Africa) ki, pronounced kai (like 'eye' with a 'k' sound preceding it), means 'come' as in 'come here'.

soldier in african language of wolof

one who has his eyes open. Possibly the etymological root of 'hip'

M-W for balance.
*interesting use for UK (above)

Main Entry: 1jig·ger
Pronunciation: 'ji-g&r
Function: noun
Date: 1675
1 : one that jigs or operates a jig
2 : any of several sails
3 : JIG 3a
4 a (1) : a mechanical device usually with a jerky reciprocating motion (2) : a mold or a machine incorporating a revolving mold on which ceramic items (as plates) are formed b : GADGET, DOODAD
5 : a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

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3 entries found for jigger.
To select an entry, click on it.
jigger1,nounjigger2,nounjigger3,verb

Main Entry: 2jigger
Function: noun
Etymology: perhaps from Wolof jiga insect
Date: 1781
: CHIGGER

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Main Entry: 3jigger
Function: verb
Etymology: frequentative of 2jig
Date: 1867
intransitive senses : to jerk up and down
transitive senses : to alter or rearrange especially by manipulating <jigger an election district>

Derogatory term used by (usually) fat, ugly, chronically insecure idiots who have a preference for mor and pseudo-"alternative" musics such as Nickelback etc., reality TV, and sexual repression. Commonly describes individuals who inspire jealously in these boring middle-class twats because they creatively avoid full-time work, are not afraid to be different, and (usually) have taste. As there is no "hipster" ideology as such this term could be applied to a miriad of different groups who may offend any number of social conventions. Interestingly, the word is derived from the Wolof (Senegalese) word "hipi" meaning "to open one's eyes" or "be aware", and was introduced into English through slavery, as "hipster" slaves developed their own language in order to communicate behind the backs of their masters. Current hatred of "hipsters" is rooted in a desire for control and conformity: slavery to a boring middle-class consumerist existence.

comes from the wolof (african tribe) word "to see" or to be englightend.

the history of america