AAVE slang derived from a brand of sweet snack that’s similar to a vanilla wafer. It describes a light skinned
Caucasian person. Depending on usage it can be
said neutrally, cheekily, or condescendingly. It can have implications similar to the slang “vanilla wafer” referring to a person who is unadventurous. In that context “nilla wafer” suggests a person has little exposure to cultural media, customs, and cuisine outside of their
white racial experiences.