honkey

Honkey is a derogatory slang term for a white person. Its origins are debated, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century. The term is often used in contexts of racial animosity and is considered offensive by many.

The etymology of "honkey" is not definitively established. Some theories suggest it may have originated from the word "hunkies," a slur for Eastern European immigrants, or from the sound of a car horn, implying a white person driving a car. Another theory links it to the word "honky-tonk," a type of bar, suggesting a connection to working-class white culture.

The term gained wider recognition and usage in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly during periods of heightened racial tension in the United States. It is primarily employed by Black individuals and other minority groups as a pejorative to express resentment or contempt towards white people.

"Honkey" is generally understood to be an insult and is categorized as racial slurring. Its use can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to racial antagonism. Like other racial slurs, its impact is dependent on context, intent, and the historical power dynamics between the groups involved.