honky

Honky is a term in the United States that has been used as a pejorative label for white people, particularly in contexts of racial tension. It has functioned as a racial slur and is generally considered offensive or demeaning. The word’s use has varied over time and region, and it is now regarded as inappropriate in most modern discourse except within historical, critical, or scholarly contexts.

Origin and etymology of honky are disputed, and there is no consensus among scholars. The term began appearing in American English in the early 20th century. Several theories have circulated, including links to the phrase honky-tonk, to words such as hunky used to describe some immigrant workers, or to onomatopoeic associations with car horns; none of these explanations is definitively proven.

Social and cultural context: Beyond its function as a slur, the term has appeared in literature, music, and journalism when discussing race relations in the United States. In contemporary usage, honky is generally avoided in respectful conversation, though it may surface in historical analysis or discussions of racist discourse. The related term honky-tonk refers to cheap bars and a style of country music associated with working-class white audiences; the two terms are connected culturally but have distinct meanings.

Variations and related terms include honky, honkie, and honky-tonk. The term is one of several racial slurs that reflect the complex history of race and identity in the United States. See also: Honky-tonk; Racial slurs; White American vernacular.