Common French racist slur. Meaning and use is similar to English 'nigger,' and is used to described non-European (
Arab and
Black) North Africans. It was in particularly prevelant use during French occupation of Northern Africa. The term has been showing up with increasing frequency as a racial slur on racist websites and chatrooms.
In considering the controvery of whether Senator George Allen truly knew the meaning of the word in his infamous August 11,
2006 outburst, it is significant to note that his
mother and numerous relatives are ethnic French expatriates of Tunisia in North Africa.
"This fellow here, over here with the yellow shirt, macaca, or whatever his
name is. He's with my opponent. He's following us around everywhere. And it's just great . . . Let's give a welcome to macaca, here. Welcome to
America and the real world of
Virginia." -- Sen George Allen refering to S.D. Sidarth while campaingning in rural Virginia, Ausgust 20006.