spics

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "spics" is not correct and is considered a derogatory term in written English.
It is typically used as a racial slur against people of Hispanic descent and should not be used in any context. Example: "Using the term spics in conversation is offensive and disrespectful."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A Republican loading-dock worker living in Queens, Bunker railed from his easy chair against "coons" and "hebes," "spics" and "fags".

The New Yorker

And the spics.

The New Yorker

She would complain about the Spics, and the Jews and the Micks.

The New York Times

She treated us with respect, kindness and compassion (even when in her inability to get us to do the dishes, she called us "lazy spics") and indeed she got her wish.

The New York Times

"Spics and Jews?

The New York Times

Secondary education, however, was at the all-male Bayside Comprehensive, overwhelmingly made up of Gibraltarians - British citizens, too, but "spics" to us.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His mother would join them almost four years later; his father opted to stay with his art collection and his opportunist adopted son in Havana.In America, Mr Eire, a professor of history and religion at Yale University, found himself looked down on as a "spic"; as a teenager he had to wash plates on the night-shift at a Chicago hotel.

The Economist

Mr Burbank has been getting bags of hate mail calling him a "spic lover", "traitor" and worse.

The Economist

Before the taping, she says, she was told that she could say "spic" or "Jew" but not "Chink".

The New Yorker

Then I thought, If you're saying I can say spic, I'm going to say Chink, because it's a funnier-sounding word.

The New Yorker

At least it sounds like laughter; with this wild-wired spic anything is possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to people of Hispanic or Latino descent, use respectful and appropriate terms such as "Hispanic people" or "Latino people."

Common error

Even if you've heard the term "spics" used casually, it doesn't make it acceptable. Recognize that its history and connotations are deeply offensive, regardless of context or intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spics" is as a noun, specifically a plural noun. However, it functions as a derogatory term. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples in the provided data where it is used in offensive contexts. The word serves to identify a group (people of Hispanic descent) but in a highly pejorative way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis shows that while the term "spics" appears in a number of sources, particularly News & Media, its use is highly discouraged due to its derogatory and offensive nature. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this term is a racial slur against people of Hispanic or Latino descent. Instead of using "spics", it's crucial to opt for respectful and accurate terms like "Hispanic people" or "Latino people". Even when reporting on the use of such language, be mindful of the harm it can cause and ensure that the context clearly condemns its use. Choosing inclusive and respectful language is essential to promoting equality and avoiding offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hispanic people

Replaces the slur with a general and respectful term referring to people of Hispanic origin or descent.

latino people

Replaces the slur with a general and respectful term referring to people of Latin American origin or descent.

people of hispanic descent

Offers a more formal and descriptive alternative to the slur, specifying ancestry.

people of latin american descent

Provides a more specific and formal alternative, specifying geographic origin.

individuals of hispanic heritage

Uses more formal and inclusive language to refer to people with Hispanic cultural backgrounds.

individuals of latin american heritage

Uses more formal and inclusive language to refer to people with Latin American cultural backgrounds.

persons of hispanic ethnicity

Focuses on the ethnic identity of individuals while avoiding offensive language.

persons of latin american ethnicity

Offers a more specific focus on the ethnic identity of individuals from Latin America.

latinx people

This is a gender-neutral term sometimes used instead of Latino/Latina.

chicanos

Refers specifically to Americans of Mexican descent, without being derogatory. Note: This term's acceptability can depend on context and speaker.

FAQs

Is it ever okay to use the word "spics"?

No, it is never okay to use the word "spics". It is a derogatory and offensive term used to insult people of Hispanic or Latino descent.

What are some alternatives to using the word "spics"?

Instead of using "spics", use respectful and accurate terms such as "Hispanic people", "Latino people", or "people of Latin American descent".

What is the origin of the word "spics"?

The origin of the word "spics" is debated, but it is believed to have emerged as a derogatory term used against Hispanic people in the United States. Regardless of its exact origin, it is now considered a racial slur.

How should I react if someone uses the word "spics" in my presence?

If someone uses the word "spics" in your presence, it is important to address it. You can explain to the person that the term is offensive and harmful, and suggest that they use more respectful language. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation.