Kaffir (racial term)

Kaffir is a derogatory racial slur historically used in South Africa to refer to Black Africans. The term originated from the Arabic word kafir, meaning "non-believer" or "infidel."

The use of "kaffir" became widespread during the colonial era in South Africa and was deeply intertwined with the apartheid system. It was used to dehumanize and oppress Black Africans, reinforcing racial hierarchies and justifying discriminatory policies. The term carries significant historical weight and is considered extremely offensive.

Its use is now widely condemned as hate speech in South Africa and many other parts of the world. The Equality Court in South Africa has ruled that the word constitutes hate speech. Even if used without malice, the historical context and the pain associated with the word render its use unacceptable.