How would you have handled this?

[Mr. X]

The following appeared in a story of ours: "the broadcast ... used the n-word." (The ellipses eliminate part of the broadcast that would lead us to be identified.)

If I was editing that night, I would have gone with "the broadcast ... used the epithet known as the N word."

What would you have done?

 

[mb]

OK, I'll jump first. Why add extra words?

 

[Mr. X]

Just wanting to explain what the "N word" is. That is probably what The New York Times would have done.

 

[Den1983]

Just wanting to explain what the "N word" is. That is probably what The New York Times would have done.

Everyone knows what the "n-word" is. I agree, no need for the extra words.

 

[clutchcargo]

Did I read this right? Is part of the debate here the usage of "n-word" vs. "N word"? Does it really matter?

What does AP Style Book say?

 

[budcrew08]

No need for the extra words. Most people are familiar that the n word is an epithet for that word, I don't believe it needs extra explanation

 

[mediaguy]

Why the initial ellipsis? What are you afraid of identifying?

 

[KJIM]

The following appeared in a story of ours: "the broadcast ... used the n-word." (The ellipses eliminate part of the broadcast that would lead us to be identified.)

reiterating for mediaguy

 

[jlee]

I think the phrase "the n-word" or "N word" is known commonly enough to stand on its own.

Something feels weird about the phrase though. It has a hint of a playground tone that doesn't belong in a serious news story. It's certainly clearer than just saying "a racial slur against black people," but can anyone think of a better way to put it? My brain's a bit scrambled right now.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

Either way is fine. Let's not drown in a sea of our own bull**** here.

 

[reformedhack]

It really depends on the context, I'd say. Generally speaking, I'm in the camp that thinks the phrase "the N-word" sounds like a kindergarten tattler in action. ("Oooh, Billy said the 'N-word'!") We're grownups. We should write accordingly.

If you're dealing with a straight news story, particularly if the use of the word IS the story, then you've got to clarify with appropriate language ("... used a derogatory term for black people ...") for the sake of being taken seriously.

(There are some who'll argue that, in a news story, you should spell out the word for absolute specificity. I cannot entirely disagree with that philosophy, but I do believe that if you can avoid using it, you're better off making every effort to do so, unless it's essential to know exactly which derogatory term was used.)

If it's a column, a feature or a notebook -- or any other circumstance that bears informality -- you probably can get away with just writing "the N-word" and moving on ... as long as you don't mind the appearance of sanitizing your writing for the sake of so many delicate eyes.

 

[mediaguy]

Understand now. Thanks.