General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A question about Racism (The term "Redneck") [View all]yuiyoshida
(45,299 posts)Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 08:02 PM - Edit history (1)
You know, I am constantly telling my friends NOT TO USE the word "Jap". When they type they can use JPN, or JP...but the word "Jap" is derogatory and was often used during World War II as a slam word against the Japanese people. In the Japanese language...Some
Japanese may use the word.. Hakujin referring to Caucasian, though I am not really sure if that word is considered an insult or not.
As for Gaijin, it refers to Outsider, where as gaikokujin is far better to use. "Gaijin" is kind of a shortened Slang word.
http://www.sljfaq.org/afaq/gaijin.html
more..(snip)
Some people are deeply offended by the word, saying that gaijin refers to outsiders rife with undesirable characteristics. There is no doubt that is one meaning of the word.
Gaijin is also used in many cases where it is probably not intended as a negative statement. Consider that it is common in the Japanese language to address people whose names are not known, or even if names are known, by titles: omawari san, Mr Policeman; sushiya san, Mr Sushi Shop. It is not unusual for a Japanese speaker to call a non Japanese who is otherwise not known, gaijin san.