niggerology

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The study of black people, especially when isolated as a problem group.

Register: offensive, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Josiah Nott, readying one of his broadsides for publication, wrote: "All the articles I have written on niggerology have been eagerly sought for at the South, and in the present excited state of the political world, I think the thing will go well.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A course on black studies at a school or university.

Register: derogatory, offensive, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “niggerology” mean?

The study of black people, especially when isolated as a problem group.

Is “niggerology” formal or informal?

niggerology is generally offensive, slang.