n-word pass
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A notional pass giving permission for a nonblack person to say the words nigga or nigger without being perceived as racist.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Behn jokes about the kid being just another white boy looking for an "n-word pass", but then Adam accepts a challenge by a cocky rapper looking for an Old West-type draw (the punk even calls himself Billy Pistols).
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).
Common questions
What does “n-word pass” mean?
A notional pass giving permission for a nonblack person to say the words nigga or nigger without being perceived as racist.
Is “n-word pass” formal or informal?
n-word pass is generally slang.