Murzyn

Borrowed from Old Czech muřín, from Latin Maurus, from Ancient Greek Μαῦρος (Maûros). Doublet of Maur, morus, and murzyn.

• IPA^(key): /ˈmu.ʐɨn/

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• Rhymes: -uʐɨn
• Syllabification: Mu‧rzyn
• Homophone: murzyn

Murzyn m pers (female equivalent Murzynka, related adjective murzyński)

1. (proscribed, now often offensive) black man[1]

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:czarnuch

Traditionally considered neutral and not controversial, the word has come to be considered offensive by some black Polish speakers and thus, its usage is discouraged by them.[2] Others claim otherwise.[3] According to Polish linguists Jerzy Bralczyk and Jan Miodek, it does not have the same negative meaning as nigger does in English.[4] However, as the words "Murzyn" and "murzyn" are capitonyms, and the word "murzyn" is used in some derogatory idioms such as "zdawać egzamin na murzyna," "biały murzyn," and "murzyn zrobił swoje, murzyn może odejść," all suggesting somebody who is being pushed around or used for somebody else's benefit,[5] some people argue that the word "Murzyn" should also be considered pejorative.

The Polish Language Council advises against the use of this word, arguing that it is dated and has gradually acquired a pejorative meaning due to its derogatory connotations.[6]

• Murzyn in Wielki słownik języka polskiego, Instytut Języka Polskiego PAN
• Murzyn in Polish dictionaries at PWN