1 definition by WordSmith1965
Once a term of affection by a black mother for a black child, the word pickaninny is now considered a racist slur. Pickaninny is in actuality a contraction of "Pick a ninny" with "ninny" also being a contraction of the word "Nincompoop"
While watching thier children playing with some other kids, one black mother asked another "Who is the father of that child?". The other replied "Pickaninny" (Pick a ninny).
by WordSmith1965 December 11, 2012