The other day at work, during the normal conversational pauses, I learned something that I found truly shocking.
It seems that most of the country refers to Brazil nuts as "Nigger Toes". I was shocked as person after person casually said, "yeah, that's what they're called."
My boss was at a loss when asked if he knew another name for a Brazil nut. He didn't know what a Brazil nut was and finally asked, "Do you mean Nigger Toes?"
Everyone seemed to know this, other than myself. From Colorado, to Texas, to Minnesota, to Illinois to California the answers were the same and casually stated. In fairness, I don't think many of my co-workers actually use this term. Most attributed it to what was said in their home growing up.
Finally our sales V.P. who hails from Pennsylvania had the same reaction as I did. We agreed that if we ever even said that in our own home our mothers would have slapped us so fast we wouldn't have had time to duck.
How many of you are familiar with this term and how many heard it used in your home growing up?
Since Barry won't be back, I must apologize for for posting this quote since I'm not absolutely sure it was made by him, but the user name is quite unique. My only point in posting it is that if he *did* write this, and he's going to call other people racists in this forum, he should be careful not to be the pot calling the kettle BLACK (heh).
I will admit, there are some seriously vile posts in this thread none of which were made by people who are regulars of this site, and I can certainly understand why someone could be offended by them.
Posted by: Nate | July 04, 2006 at 03:27 PM
There is nothing offensive about that post. And yes it WAS me by the way. Did I insult your tiny body part? Or insult your white toes? Colorless face, or stringy hair?What I stated was clean unoffensive fact. While you boys are having your KKK session, I DO like to remind you that women are attracted to real men that are confident enough in themselves to not be obsessed with aother race (regardless of color). When I stumble across a bunch a yahoos, I will leave my mark. Like it or not. I am glad you reposted that quote though, cause it hits the nail right on the head. I do try to put myself in your shoes and try to understand why someone would be so obsessed with my color. The only thing I can come up with is insecurity. Because I would NEVER create a blog about white people and what they do. Why? Because quite frankly I dont care what you boys are up to as long as your not hurling those insults anywhere near my house (which I doubt you have the balls to do, by the way). Your not intelligent enough to "out debate" me my boy becasue the topic that you chose puts 99% of white people against you. Good luck with that militia that you are forming out of your trailer, by the way. When you get the balls to act on your hatred, Ill be waiting for you. Just check with your sister first to make sure its ok with her.
Posted by: Blkxdragon | July 04, 2006 at 05:46 PM
HA ha! I knew our new friend would be back! First off, not all of the folks who hang out here are caucasian, so please be careful to select your form of slander carefully. Second, I'm not really convinced that you aren't really some white power Nazi looking to start a race war on this blog.
More to the point: I didn't say your post was offensive to me. I suggest instead that it is racist, do you deny it? If I am wrong about you, I would suggest that you read more carefully, since this site boasts some of the most tolerant and intelligent Americans I've ever gabbed with in such a forum. Also, since most of the people who post here are from Colorado, it's easy for you to dismiss everybody here as a 'redneck' or a 'hick', but I'm pretty sure the folks from the CITIES of Colorado Springs or Denver would take issue with that assumption. By the way, through the wonder of the internet, this post is brought to you from New York. And where exactly are you, sir?
Posted by: Nate | July 04, 2006 at 08:33 PM
I'm guessing that Barry was originally talking about the posters on this particular thread. If this is the case then I think I agree with him. This thread has quite a fine collection! ;)
Posted by: Non-Prophet | July 04, 2006 at 08:36 PM
After going to your home page I realize that we probably have alot in common. At least regarding our political affiliations.
And yes I do tend to get carried away when I see posts that are totally ignorant regarding the race issue. Tho I do realize that freedom of speech is alive and well. I dont like people burning my flag either by the way and WOULD put a stop to it. But thats just a veteran who feels that the flag is precious, talking.
I will also admit that some of my responses to these racial posts appear equally ignorant. Perhaps thats me trying to REALLY piss off the "bad guys" by hitting them where it hurts. Im sorry about dragging you into this because your just advocating freedom of speech. I guess you can say that I offered another point of view. Especially for the poster that wants to send "the niggers back to Africa"..LOL
What makes me so emotional about this issue? I am 49, born in Louisiana. I have seen the Klan moving through the night as a kid. I had the white kid across the way tell me that he can't play with me anymore because his mom said he cant play with niggers. That day has never left my mind. I live in the Seattle area now after spending 4 years in the military. Different world for sure. No one cares who you are or who you date... Its amazing! But anyway.. Nice debate! And again, didnt mean to cause trouble. And come and get me if you need help keeping the troublemakers in line..LOL
Barry AKA BlkxDragon
Posted by: Barry | July 04, 2006 at 09:17 PM
Nate,
Maybe my definition of racism is different than yours. I did not take the white race and give them a label. Maybe I said most white women are not racist. That WOULD bother alot of people because of the implications. But sorry, I cant find a disparaging remark that I have written about white folks. The racists that gets my goat are the ones making fun of a race of people, and say hateful remarks about a race of people. Also saying that some are Niggers and some are not. I'n todays world we have people that are just worthless regardless of color. I dont know, do we call them a name. I just call them pieces of shit. I have had problems with people of all colors. ut I do understand that a forum like this will invite trolls that come into a forum jst t say someting hateful, then leave. So i understand. I normally suscribe to basketball forums. I get alot of white guys talking about some white stiff who cant jump and that even bothers me. And If you object to anything, in comes the trolls and the whole thread gets messed up cause all they are trying to do is start a flame. Im not a flaming troll, or a racist. I just dont feel too welcome aroud this thread because I have thrown water on the fun of some people in here. Its just a bad thread on a good website. The bush supporters appear to be congregating here en masse!
Posted by: blkxdragon | July 04, 2006 at 09:52 PM
Barry,
I think I was a little harsh, your comments (from 1998) weren't racist like some of the trash talk in some of the idiot comments in this thread above, but the 'taking your women' comment was a little over the line. Perhaps I should have said that you were being 'sexist', since your comment assumes that women are something to be 'owned' or at least 'controlled' in some way and that white men somehow are 'losing' their women to you. Women of any race can choose a relationship with a man of any race (at least in Washington State? ;) so you were clearly just trying to piss somebody off.
But welcome, Barry - I realize you were just pissed off by the Nazis above, and I didn't mean to suggest that I agreed with them at all.
Posted by: Nate | July 06, 2006 at 06:11 AM
Gotta find something wrong with me huh? Ok fine. "Taking someone" of ANY gender would probably be against the law. I think you grasping for anything you can get ahold of here bud. But thats ok. I will rephrase that "we took each other with great pleasure"... keep searching though. If you go further back that 8 YEARS. You might actually find someting a little more valid. Im sure in my teen years I said alot of things that are unsavory. One thing that has stuck in my mind through this whole ordeal is that fact that no one cares to jump on the case of the Nazi's above me??? What does that mean? It means that America is mostly apathetic and unsympathetic to the racial sensitivity issues until the heat of the fire gets too close to them. I really dont like fighting about it cause I will never change anyones attitude.
Posted by: Barry | July 06, 2006 at 10:54 AM
I think that at least in this forum, the usual mode of dealing with unsavory types is to just ignore them and hope they go away. I mean, what do you say to someone like that? They're not going to listen to reason and only post in order to start a fight. Although some of the respondants to this thread have been hate-mongering fools, most have been thoughtful folks just chiming in with what they know from their neck of the woods, which is what the point was. Is the term 'Nigger-Toes' for these nuts really offensive, or just a contraction of the brazilian words for 'black nut'? Are we being too politically correct when black folks use the term 'Nigger' to refer to themselves in coloquial speech? Are all white people thoughtless clods who don't realize that 300 years of oppression and slavery might make the plight of blacks in the US unique in our society? There's a lot of questions behind this topic that might be explored without wasting time on the idiots.
Posted by: Nate | July 06, 2006 at 01:18 PM
"Black folks use the term 'Nigger' to refer to themselves in coloquial speech?"
What was that definition of Racism again? Read the above quote again, veerrrry carefully....
I didnt know that you had inside information as to what EVERY Black person does and says. I think your estimation of the percentage of Blacks that use that word is pretty high. I feel in the Black population as a whole the percentage may be more like 10-20% that may use that word loosely. Your exposure to Blacks may be limited to Rap videos? I tend to cast a wary eye on someone who feels that "All them Black folk say Nigga, so I can too". I will say again. Anyone who uses that word is ignorant, and yes I have a family member or 2 that thinks its ok. And they are also the ones that cant seem to hold down a job. So go figure.
"Are all white people thoughtless clods who don't realize that 300 years of oppression and slavery might make the plight of blacks in the US unique in our society?"
Well, haha. Im not going to be an expert of White attitudes in America. But I have evidence right on this web page in writing that says, thoughtless clods are alive and well.
Posted by: Barry | July 07, 2006 at 12:49 PM
Barry: Hmmm. My exposure to blacks is rap videos? My bad for not putting a percentage on that comment, I guess. Here's a little info on where I'm coming from: My school district (where I grew up and still live) is about 17% black which is a bit above the national average, and a lot more integrated than almost all other districts near me (Long Island, NY is one of the most segregated suburban areas in the country).
I hear people (of all races) talk like they think they're 'gangstas' everywhere I go. They sound ignorant and they're certainly not going very far in business sounding like that. I agree, they're not the majority - I never meant to imply *ALL* blacks spoke that way, but some do. I made the statement to give my following comment more weight: *NOT ALL* white people are unmindful of the situation of blacks in the US. This doesn't mean that I agree with people using derogatory terms for each other and it doesn't mean that I think it gives any person a PASS on decency just because their ancestors were subjugated.
Posted by: Nate | July 07, 2006 at 05:24 PM
OK. I guess we agree on anyone of any race not having an excuse for indecency. I just wanted to get it clarified that no particular label is put on Black people, or White for that matter. And you are also right about kids of all races wanting to be gangstas. If I see a kid from behind wearing the baggy pants and his hat on backwards or a rag on his head, I dont know if he is white or Black until I can see his face or skin color. If I hear a car booming down the street playing rap music, what color is that kid?? Ill stick to my jazz music thank you... Have a good weekend!
Posted by: Barry | July 07, 2006 at 06:18 PM
There's a lot of musicians on this board, and the guy who runs it (NonProphet himself) plays some mean electric rythym and blues guitar (or at least he used to when he wasn't working so hard). I think you studied Jazz as well, no NP? Have a good weekend yourself, Barry!
Posted by: Nate | July 08, 2006 at 02:05 PM
I heard this term when I was growing up in new jersey. It's still used by blacks here. I think whites are embarassed to use it.
Posted by: Boris | July 23, 2006 at 04:55 PM
Brazil nuts arent that popular that you hear people running around talking about them by ANY name. I live in Seattle and I ust dont hear anything from anybody. On the other hand I hear white guys on the basketball message board talking about "tall white stiffs who can't jump" all the time. I cringe when I see someone talk like that even tho im not white. There are "stiffs" of every race. Anyone who runs around saying "nigga" ANYTHING is an ignorant fool as well.
When you say "Blacks", I take it that you managed to become close enough to hang with these guys, sit down for some Brazil nuts and beer, and shoot the breeze. Or perhaps you saw them walking down the street talking about the "nigga toes" that they had last night. You, my freind, are a fool!
I am glad that we have so many white experts on Black people in this forum. Altho it appears that most of you wouldnt invite a Black person to your house, and try to avoid them at all costs. Why dont we create a fourm on the meaning of "white paddy" or "honky" and see if the hyenas go back into the woodwork where they came from or contribute intelligent information to this forum. This is a bad topic, bottom line.
Posted by: Brazil nut | August 01, 2006 at 05:38 PM
"it appears that most of you wouldnt invite a Black person to your house, and try to avoid them at all costs."
Now THAT is an ignorant comment. You absolutely do not know that.
Words are simply strings of letters. It is the intention that we attach to them that damages. Remember this.
Posted by: Zen | August 02, 2006 at 01:13 AM
That proves my point exactly. The true ignorant ones in here mr Zen are just like you. You sit on your ass reading all the hateful racist statements and as soon as I type something, you jump in to try and pick it apart. Tell me something. Do you have a problem with anything said by anyone else in here. You know what im getting at dont you. Im smart enough to know that what a person objects to and doesn't object to says a whole book about them. You feel comfortable in your antagonism of me because you feel that you have the backing of other trailor trash in here.
I was trying to educate your twin "Boris" who posted above by showing him what an idiot he is. You are even worse. Do you know what a troll is? Reread this whole thread , then tell me is my statement is incorrect. I said that most whitein this forum would not invite a Black person in thier house. Ive been around long enough to know what kind of people Im dealing with. And Ill also gurantee that your part of the group that imtalking about. Someone as insensitive to race issues as you is like an open book.
"it appears that most of you wouldnt invite a Black person to your house, and try to avoid them at all costs."
WOuld you care to ask other Blacks that have left this forum in disgust if they feel the same way? Has anyone in here other than Blacks shown any concern that this topic is potentially offensive. When I come into this forum I feel that I am addressing a bunch of klansmen. You can call it ignorant all you want. But if you publish this thread to another location where people are actually intelligent, you know exactly what would happen dont you. I do, people of ALL colors would show utter disdain and disgust over the attitudes in here. You, my freind are nothing more than an antagonist. You would be better off putting a heading on this forum that says "No Blacks allowed". Thank God the views in here are not the opinions of american society as a whole.
Posted by: Brazil Nut | August 08, 2006 at 05:19 PM
You read words and form opinions. But you know nothing about me, brother. Good luck with that.
Posted by: Zen | August 09, 2006 at 12:03 AM
Welcome back Barry! It's clear you have experienced racism in your life which has colored (no pun intended ;) your opinions on white folks and their motivations. Experiencing racism is sort of like being mentally raped. You can't just forget it happened and yet some people expect the victim to act like it never did. Although your assumptions are not correct (at least in my case), I understand why you feel the way you do. After all, when I was a little kid there were still signs that said 'Colored' and 'Whites Only' hanging in store windows in the south. There have been great social strides made since that time, but the 'class' divisions are still very evident. I think it's important to recognize that although we all may have been created equal, many sectors of our society still do not *treat* everyone that way. An objective discussion about hateful and racist words may not be possible because it will always seem like a denial to the victims of racism.
Posted by: Nate | August 09, 2006 at 05:46 PM
Nate,
Thanks for clarifying everything for me. Now I realize that everythingsaid in this forum is A OK. And that me feeling insulted is just a product of my upbringing. Sorry about insulting you guys. I have told my freinds about this wonderful forum and how Blacks should embrace the views expressed in here. Have a good life, and keep up the good work!
Posted by: BraZIL nUT | August 12, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Did anyone ever say everything in this thread is "A OK"?
Posted by: Zen | August 12, 2006 at 11:59 AM
My original post was about my shock in never hearing the term before (I'm 40 years old too!) and my surprise that nearly everyone around me had heard it growing up. Plenty of people have dropped by and made racist comments regarding this thread but it has certainly never been Nate or Zen. The person who made the comment has their name appear below the comment. Could this have been cause of the confusion?
Posted by: Non-Prophet | August 12, 2006 at 07:13 PM
No this idiot just thinks that everyone who has commented on this particular blog entry is a personal friend of the blogger and doesn't understand the concept of the random drive-by commenter or the general lack of intelligence on the internet at large. And also proves that point himself.
Barry, Brazil-Nut, bRaZIL NuT, whatever... get over it. Most of the jerks who posted awful racist comments to this ONE particular post found it through a google search and are not regular visitors to this blog and also are certainly not friends of the blogger Non-Prophet. Nate and Zen *are* NP's friends, and they are not racists, and they're the only ones engaging you in conversation here. All the rest of the idiot racists you're so hurt by are not regulars here and will probably never come back to see what you've said to them. That's unfortunate, but cmon guy. Get the point. You're not going to "get anyone back" for anything that's been said on this comment thread. Relax and calm down. There are many better ways to fight racism than to get all huffy on some random guy's random blog post.
Posted by: teh internets are hard | August 13, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Dude, your blog has actually educated me; I now know the proper name for the Brazil nut.
Thanks.
Posted by: Mike | September 09, 2006 at 08:41 PM
I grew up in Upper Michigan and as a kid that's all we ever called them is nigger toes, but I didn't even know what it meant at that time other than it was a nut that we got mostly at Christmas or New Years. I loved them really, they were my favorite and still are. We certainly never meant anything by it because I never even saw a black person until I was 17 years old.....so really didn't even know much about black people. People are People no matter what color they are and I don't think anyone means any harm to black people by saying that....so I say "Chill out"
Posted by: patricia | October 04, 2006 at 09:25 PM
Ive been reading how you white folks get together and assume that if you use the word "nigger" in a different context, say as a Brazil Nut for example is just fine. What your not getting is the fact that the word "Nigger" is not acceptable by any means. Black people that say it are a bunch of ignorant bastards too. And guess what, most of you that think its OK are a bunch of ignorant white trash redneck muthafuckers. You all think this little conversation your having is cute. Well I dont think so. The crazy part about all of this is that this crap is coming from a web site that is supposed to be Pro-Gay!! What the fuck do you think the ignoramuses are saying about Gays? The bottom line is that there are more important things in this world to discuss. I dont care what your great grandaddy and you Momma called them Brazil nuts!! The point is, what are YOU gonna call them now that you are educated enough to know that it is insulting to many many people. You dont give a damn do you? Well fine, that makes it that much easier to indentify you as a racist white trash bitch. Now you fuckers can get your panties in a bunch to discuss how horrible my statement here is. But for the ones that think the word Nigger is fine to use in our own little cute way, Ill say this: Suck my big Black dick!!!
Posted by: Klansman | October 29, 2006 at 08:38 PM
I am African American and grew up in New Jersey. We always referred to these nuts as Brazil Nuts. It wasn't until I grew up that my mother, who was grew up in Middle Georgia, told me these nuts used to be referred to by that other name. I live in Middle Georgia now and recently one of my clients gifted me with a jar of mixed nuts. I was sharing them with my co-workers and some weren't sure what these nuts were called. One co-worker said "we always called them ....toes." I happened to remember what my mother told me and realized why she hesitated before saying toes. At first, I felt badly toward her, but I realized this is something she grew up with. If our society is to progress, we must learn to forgive the past. Let the racists remain in the past if they want, but for the most part, I think the majority of Americans want to press forward and create a better society.
Posted by: Dee | December 16, 2006 at 12:04 PM
If I ever catch anyone calling Brazil Nuts "Nigger Toes" I will beat your fucking ass with the belt. If you dont agree with me, then you can suck my white dick as well.
Posted by: Justin | December 23, 2006 at 12:31 AM
Hello
Posted by: Justin | December 23, 2006 at 12:35 AM
Listen Everyone,
Why can't we call macadamia nuts, "cracker toes" or pecans "spic toes"? Or for that reasons, lets call walnuts scrotum sacks. I am 12 years old and I have always called them nigger toes, and I'll teach my kids to do the same. Please, They really look like their namesake. Get a sense of humor, and a life.
Posted by: Zvi Zeitlin | December 24, 2006 at 10:21 PM
It's true, that is what I grew up innocently calling them. I'm 51 and my age group grew up adopting these type of colloquialisms or slangs as children. My black friends daughters called their tennis shoes, "White Girls"! First time I heard this (being White), it appalled me, I was offended to say the least, just as a Jewish friend of mine was offended when I told her a story of someone screwing me out of money and I said that they jewed me out of it.(Jewed me down). I grew up w/ this term as my black friend had grown up with hers.
The thing is, only white people are suppose to curb or watch what they say. My black friend actually said there was no correlation between a black calling their shoes "white girl" and a white person saying "they jewed me down". It's the same, they both might be innocently said by a generation that heard these things as children, but if you look at the conception of these sayings, it's not pretty. The white girls your daughter is wearing are under her feet... the white girls are being trodden on.
I heard an interview with an Irish american from N.Y.C. He told the story of how "Patty wagon" was not spoken of in there family , because of it's origin of the wagons gathering up the drunk irish in the 1800 by the police.You see? these things hang in our language until we here it thru others ears. The Irish are called "patty's" if you didn't know!
These are just a few, there are hundres. I was in Philidelphia, a black man got mad at me in a parking lot and for the next 5 mins. I had to endure being called a "Cracker" over and over again. If I would have called him a Nigger, I would have not only lowered myself to his level, I probably would have been shot dead! (Guess I could have called him a "Graham" huh.)Ha! I don't think he was sharp enough to have gotten it!
Posted by: steve | December 27, 2006 at 10:14 PM
Brazil nut, common name for the Lecythidaceae, a family of tropical trees. It includes the anchovy pear (Grias cauliflora), a West Indian species with edible fruit used for pickles, and several lumber trees of South America, e.g., the cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), some species of Barringtonia, and the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). The latter is found chiefly in Brazil along the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, but extensive groves have also been planted in N Bolivia. The edible Brazil nuts grow clumped together in large, round, woody and extremely hard seed pods the size of a large grapefruit. The meat of the seed (the "nut") is very rich in oil. The Brazil nut family is classified in the division Magnoliophyta Magnoliophyta
..... Click the link for more information. , class Magnoliopsida, order Lecythidales.
Posted by: steve | December 27, 2006 at 10:22 PM
nigger toes...
Perjorative slang for brazil nuts.
Apparently comes from the "fact" that, when still in their shell, they resemble a black man's pedal digits.
"Gene asked the supermarket clerk where the nigger toes were, and was subsequently beaten by a bunch of his black mates"
Posted by: steve | December 27, 2006 at 10:25 PM
nigger toe...
A Brazil nut.
To crack one open, put it into the freezer for a while. Or put it into boiling water for a few seconds.
"Brenda served her guests a bowl of nigger toes."
Posted by: steve | December 27, 2006 at 10:27 PM
can't think of a clever one so just keep quiet!
Posted by: imdm | December 29, 2006 at 07:27 AM
i always thought racism was prejudice against a race of people. how is referring to a nut as "nigger toe" considered racist? while it may offend some, by definition its not racist. the use of a racial slur does not always imply racism. for example if i say, "that guy over there refers to black people as 'niggers'.", that would not be racist. this terms origin comes from a time when black people were not victims of racism but lack of civil rights. slave owners did not own slaves simply because they were black. as long as there are people who cry about certain words being used, there will be people who use those certain words.
Posted by: elmuhfuh | December 29, 2006 at 01:11 PM
I'm always amazed at the continued popularity of this particular thread.
Posted by: c | December 29, 2006 at 07:34 PM
I've been thinking that this thread has miraculously managed to far surpass my original intent of highlighting an odd form of racism in American culture. This thread is like a case study in racism in American culture.
Posted by: Non-Prophet | December 29, 2006 at 08:17 PM
It's just nutty.
:0)
Posted by: Zen | December 30, 2006 at 01:24 AM
I grew up in the 50's and 60's in Michigan, and we have always referred to these as niggertoes. I never knew they were Brazil nuts until sometime in the 90's. No one ever used the phrase in a derogatory fashion, we just thought that it was kind of a wierd name, but it was what they were called.
Posted by: mpkadz | December 30, 2006 at 07:55 AM
I like Cheese Nips.
Do I hate Japanese people?
Yawp.
Posted by: Zen | December 30, 2006 at 02:52 PM
Although there is still racism in America today, it's far worse in other parts of the world. Just think about what is happening between the Sunnis and Shias in Iraq, the Israel/Palestine issue, or Hindus/Muslims in Kashmir. Replace the n-word with your choice of derogatory middle eastern expletive. There are a lot more examples of outright genocide (Somalia) - real world murders happening right now. I'm not trying to belittle the overt racism of this obvious slur - just to put it into perspective. I think it's time to reaffirm that we are all Americans. The next time somebody asks you your nationality, don't answer "Irish" or "German", tell then you're an American. ... And not a hyphenated-American. Concentrating on our differences, be they religion, color, gender, whatever - makes us weaker than when we stand together, and we're going to need to stand together against the gathering storm, baby. We're all about to reap what GW has sown in the world.
Posted by: Nate | December 30, 2006 at 07:59 PM
Justin,
It’s not about ‘getting a life’ or ‘having a sense of humor’. It’s about the fact that as human beings we all connect to one another every time we interact with another person, whether that interaction is verbal, non-verbal, physical, social etc. You get the picture. If we allow ourselves to use such derogatory words so casually, we not only run the risk of offending others unnecessarily, but we debase ourselves in the process.
You are still very young and in the process of forming opinions about the world and everything in it. I just felt the urge to respond to your reply when I read it. I hope as you grow up you will come to realize how important and powerful the language we use can be to others and ourselves. It says a lot about our values and ourselves. It’s better to teach your children to build others up with positive words.
I don’t think I’m taking this too seriously Justin. The fact that such a derogatory word can become so widely accepted that such a large number of people (shown on this blog) do not even know the correct name for a ‘Brazil nut’ I find kind of sad. It makes much more sense (and makes you and your children) smarter people to learn the true origins of things in this world instead of remaining in ignorance using words that were created with the intention to harm the spirit of other individuals when spoken.
Posted by: Sue | January 01, 2007 at 06:34 PM
For those of you who think the term is not racist, I urge you to walk up to any person of color and test your theory. Simply ask one of us if you know where you can obtain some of this tasty snack - but please, use your term for it. Then get back to me.
Sadly, I did not know of this term until today when a white friend of mine finally spilled the beans (or nuts, as the case seems to be). I say sadly because I have since been steadily indexing all of the times throughout my long life that people I know (and white family members, especially) must have struggled with what to call these damn nuts in my presence (since obviously many of you folks didn't or don't have another term for them). And I'm pissed that they all succeeded in keeping me in the dark (definite pun intended) for so long.
All I have to say to you simple numb nuts who insist there's no harm in a term like this today, is this: what you really need a sample of is Deez....
DEEZ NUTZ, BITCHES!
Posted by: an actual man of color | January 03, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Men, women and children of all ages and races nowdays use the "N" word, or Niggah, if you please, for all manner of things, least of all to describe brazil nutz. The term is racist, but only when uttered by a "white" person.
Posted by: sal | January 03, 2007 at 08:58 PM
I looked this up because I grew up if not "using" the term, at least familiar with it and less familiar with the term "brazil nuts", and I was curious about how a world could determine to keep using it until fairly recently. How did the term get started (I understand the "look" but belts hold up pants and we call it a belt not a pant holder --- we choose the names we use)? Where was it commonly used? (I grew up in the West in populations with few people of color.) How did populations that used the word treat people of color in daily interaction? And how did they reconcile using it and honoring the humanity of people of color?
Anyone know?
Posted by: RNP | January 04, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Sue, I love U...
I almost think that this whole thread is one big mind game. Where the side of reason talks about how hurtful this is a demeaning and hurtful word to many many people. Then a statement comes out of the blue from someone who has fond memories of their wonderful grandfather who had this little pet name for Brazil Nuts. And " Shucks, I dont see anything wrong with sayin it". Another voice of reason talks about how we should uplift one another because we are all in this together. Then another joker talks about how some Black wino called him a craker so he feels justified in taking it out of all people of color...
So what should we do? There is a tide of young kids growing up today of ALL colors runing around using that term towards one another in an almost affectionate way! Whats up wth that? I personally think that they should call one another something else, and the fad runs dry. for those of you with kids or want to have kids. Do you think it would be to their advantage or disadvantage to allow them to use this word in life. I say, it could be hazardous to thier health. Especially when it slips out in the wrong locale. Poor little Johnny may never make it home. So take care of your kids and teach them how to live a long successful life.
The best practice for all of us is to communicate in the same appropriate manner at home (and the internet)that you would use in public around mixed company. But hey, its a free world! So if the way you say and do things works for ya, knock yoursef out!!
Posted by: Damon | January 05, 2007 at 07:51 PM
it's all okay, i'm taking it back ...
Posted by: Bob | January 06, 2007 at 09:20 PM
I think it is a regional thing too. I too grew up with them called nigger toes, never thought a thing about it. Apparently, up north...if you utter the "N" word, it is offenseive. In the south...yes, I always grew up referring to black people as niggers, as well as other terms...however, the word nigger to us back then, never was derogatory..it was just a synonym for negro, or nigra as some pronounced it (usually the old folks).
Nigger has just in the recent decade I guess....attained 4 letter word status in society...and is rarely if ever uttered in mixed company or in public where a black person could hear it...but, pretty much in any all southern, all white group, the word for blacks is nigger...and I think unfortunately since the word has become so stigmatized in recent years...it is NOW more a derogatory term...whereas in the past, that was really not the case.
I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings....but, do realize that regionally...things can be perceived quite differently. The US is such a large country, regional differences and symantics can be very different.
Posted by: guest | January 06, 2007 at 10:30 PM
actually i have heard this and used this term when i was growing up, but my father refered to cashews as nigger toes.
Posted by: | January 13, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Up north EVERYONE called blacks niggers back then. Believe it or not, most of us did not realize we were disparaging them. Same for using the term "niggertoes" and reciting "Eenie Meenie Miney Moe catch a nigger by the toe.." We also used such terms as "niggerlip" and "shiny as a nigger's heel."
However, we also said things like "Indian giver" without thinking and talked about "jewing" someone down so we were being equally opportunitively offensive.
We then learned to use the word negro. Then it became "black" before we were taught to use "African American." Now the blacks call themselves niggers and hoes and the homosexuals call themselves queer. Seems like we are going around in circles.
Posted by: | January 15, 2007 at 05:24 PM
Words of warning to casual talk at work. Recent discussion of another name for a brazil nut resulted in investigation and immediate termination of a long employee.
Posted by: lowdown | January 19, 2007 at 08:02 PM
!!! Yeah I grew up in northern Canada and I thought that was the name for them for the longest time.... I never heard the word nigga.. so I didn't know what it was.. I just thought it was a funny name for a nut..
Posted by: Magdalicious | January 22, 2007 at 08:21 PM
I was raised in KY and was taught all my life that blacks were nigras. My great uncle had a man that worked for him called nigger monroe. If you asked him his name, he would tell you "nigger monroe" he told this to black, or white people. he was not treated any different than anyone else. he sat down with us white folk at sunday dinner after church like he was one of the family. he was the one that told me to stay away from nigger town, which was a street about a mile long with many apartments. he was also the one who protected me when the blacks came from chicago during the riots in the sixties, so I have always been confused???? I also had a good black friend in middle school that wasn't allowed at my house??? he just seemed like one of my friends to me. but, i've always called em nigger toes too. I'm with someone who said, colored or not, I just call the idiots that do their crazy stuff, pieces of shit,,,,,,,,
Posted by: niggertoenail | February 06, 2007 at 06:04 PM
How funny to read all these comments. Grandma was from Oklahoma,
Dad, from Oregon. Great Grandpa from Germany. We all ate Nigger toes.
It was the name of a nut. It only becomes offensive if you decide
it is. Nothing derogatory was meant at all by this term. Please
lighten up and try not to look so hard for something or someone to hate.
Posted by: Jean Luann | February 24, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Baby was a black sheep
Baby was a whore
Baby wanted more
Yeah, she wanted it bigger
Baby baby baby was a rock 'n' roll....
Brazil nut?!?!?!?
Posted by: Becks07 | March 02, 2007 at 12:05 AM
ok ok we will stop callin em nigger toes since so many of you find it so offensive...so instead imma call em the african porch monkey jiggaboo nut....how's that you dumb fuck...nigger toes is a damn name get off your damn high horses...get off your lazy ass and quit thinking your fucken owed something because of slavery...now i dont mean all blacks are like this cause alot of you truly do work for the things you take pride in but there are just as many who think they are owed something...lets seriously look at this for a sec...who started slavery...blacks did...so before you say that you are owed and all that shit concider what you are really owed...i mean you have the united negro college fund...i never heard of no united whites college fund etc, etc, etc...now go ahead and call me racist if you want it dont bother me none cause i know i aint a racist i own a dam color TV fuckers...got a problem with me and my views then so be it, but this is my opinion and it's my god given right to have it just like you can have yours...as fucked up and warped as they are.
Posted by: Glenn | March 16, 2007 at 02:25 PM
We Called Them Jib Fingers
Posted by: Jimal | March 17, 2007 at 12:10 AM
I vote NP close comments on this thread permanently. Everything has already been said here way too many times, I'm tired of seeing comments pop up on it.
Posted by: in8sworld | March 17, 2007 at 02:41 PM
I think you should keep it alive. I find it to be an interesting social phenomenon - especially how it flickers and flares back to life once in a while.
Posted by: Zen | March 17, 2007 at 02:54 PM
omg... im only 20 and everybody knows exactly what they are called. it doesnt sound good and most dont use it but its all over the word. yes, even my teen friend in brasil knew what they are called.
look at the origins of the word ciao and also what nigger navels are called. they are yellow daisy like flowers with black centers.. it doesnt mean we hate people .. get a life ..
just like this baby boomer from mississippi said he grew up there in the 50s and 60s and none of his fam or friends said teh N word. he is a liar.. i know people that say it in unmixed company.. gag a gnat and swallow an elephant.. get real..
Posted by: | April 27, 2007 at 06:59 PM
I remember my grandmother telling me that was the nickname for Brazil nuts. She grew up in Los Angeles in the 40's & 50's. Sadly, I still remember this name every time I east Brazil nuts, and was prompted to look it up online after buying a bag of them the other day.
Posted by: Kat | May 12, 2007 at 02:12 PM
HA HA! It's alive again!
Posted by: zen | May 13, 2007 at 12:28 AM
Hey NP...
Google nigger toe.
Guess what's numero uno on the search results?
Go figure.
Posted by: zen | May 13, 2007 at 12:32 AM
I was at work and a co-worker had some nigga toes and I asked for some. She got upset because I called them that name, she states that was not what they were called. They were called Brazil nuts and I said no they are not they are called nigga toes. She was don't say that because a white employee was behind use and I was like are you offended by that word. So I said them give me some Kutkah Kenta nuts trying to mad her laugh. She just go more upset with me, so I was like they cut of his toes so they are nigga toes. She called me ignorant and I just walked off in disbelief that she would be offended by the name of some nuts. Give me a break!!!
Posted by: Angel | May 18, 2007 at 02:09 PM
I got this white girlfreind that is pretty cool We are respectful to each other in public but boy when I get her in bed I ask her "whose your nigga, white bitch" and she answers "your my nigga" "fuck me, nigga". We have such a good time talking dirty to each other in the sack. Kind of a kinky feeling if yo know what I mean. I dont particularly get off on saying nigga toes but you trailor trash crakers seem to get a hard on about it. Thats cool with me as long as I keep getting that ignorant white pussy its all good. Bastards.. Lol
Posted by: happy | May 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Yep, Cleveland, Ohio. My grandparents and mother called them that.
Posted by: Jay | August 12, 2007 at 07:37 PM
The reason I found this site is because a group of us sitting around the office discussing Nuts. Here you see a lot of Sunflower Seeds and Pistachios, consumed now and then some almonds the conversation turned to which nuts the best and which one was not so good.
Someone said "I really like the, I am not sure what the PC name of the nut is but I have always called it Niger toe they are hard to find and you cant eat a lot of them in one seating” now keep in mind their are 5 people sitting around and every one of the us have heard the term a used it in youth we all recall only getting them around the holiday season normally stuffed in the stocking with some fresh fruit and some candy, we had four different real names so here we are on the net of wisdom truing to figure out what is the name of the Niger toe nut. So to answer your question we here in California (state full of people from somewhere else) it is widely known common name not commonly used most likely due to the nut not being so common. Here is the real question how many of the posters are black and was it call the same in their ethnic circle.
Posted by: DAVID | August 27, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Im 42 yrs old and we always had them at Christmas time and my mother told me thata what they were called is that the reason why black men are so good in football or should I say Brazilball.
Posted by: | September 08, 2007 at 11:59 AM
It's alive! "Nutty Racism" is alive!
Posted by: Zen | September 10, 2007 at 12:03 AM
My Grandmother from PA called them nigger toes, and it is a fitting name. Of course I would never allow a nigger in my home. If all niggers were replaced by Latins or Asians our GDP would go up 20%. Most of the prisons would be empty, and the United States would become a paradise. It may not be PC in high brow circles, but it is the TRUTH.
Posted by: Truth Be Told | September 11, 2007 at 06:28 PM
That is the dumbest thing I have read all month long.
Posted by: Zen | September 11, 2007 at 07:46 PM
YESS!!!! I love nigger toes. Here in the south that is the PC name for brazil nuts
Posted by: AJ | September 11, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Oh I love it! My grandparents and parents used the phrase all the time... I'm posting here because I just bought a can of mixed nuts and oila! Nigger toes!
Posted by: Bobby D | September 11, 2007 at 10:56 PM
lots of nigger-lovers in this topic. In Spain we have CONGUITOS
http://www.lacasa.es/web/conguitos/historia/historia.asp?idioma=ingl%E 9s
Posted by: Jose | September 11, 2007 at 11:01 PM
I am over 81 years old, and knew that Brazil nuts were called NIGGER-TOES from age 7, but I don't recall using the word NIGGER-TOES, because I knew that some people didn't like that phrase. My question is how the phrase TOES got into the act. Are there ten of them per foot.
Posted by: Jack | October 29, 2007 at 08:51 PM
yes we have always called them that. growing up my parents told us thats what they were called. being a child i didnt question it. my husband and i jsut had an argument about this exact topic. i tol him he needs to refer to them as "brazil nuts" he argues "no they are nigger toes" i told him if i caught him saying that in front of the children there would be hell to pay. i dont want my kids continuing this nonsence.
nigger toes..i want to know where that came from
Posted by: jenn | October 31, 2007 at 12:38 PM
i am a teenage boy and as we were eating nuts i thought ...."hmmmmm why do they call them nigger toes?" i ask my mom and she replied " yup that what there called" do to the fact my mom has told alot of tail about laying on a farm eating cherry while the wind blew in her hair and she saw beautiful birds singing..i took it in my own hands to get the real facts and came across this web site...I DONT REALLY MINED CALLING THEM NIGGER TOES CAUSE WELL IM NOT SAYING IT TO BE MEAN BUT IF I EVER COME OCROSS ANOTHER NIGGER TOE NUT ILL THINK TWICE IF I WANNA CALL THEM BRAZILIAN NUTS OR NIGGER TOE NUTS =P
Posted by: annonomous | November 11, 2007 at 06:00 PM
yes i to grew up in a house where it was comnmonly used. what? who? where? did it come from. again, can someone answer that question?
Posted by: lulu | November 16, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Um, even if it is offensive, what's wrong with offending a Brazil nut?
Posted by: Goober | November 21, 2007 at 11:41 PM
The word Negro is Spanish/Portugese for "Black" (originally from the Latin niger, "black"). In the northern colonies, where there were a lot of Dutch settlers, the word negar was used to describe blacks, and did not carry a derogatory connotation at least early on (in the 1600s). According to the Wikipedia article on the word, from which this summary mostly derives, the African Burial Ground in New York City was originally known as "Begraafplaats van de Neger" (Dutch phrase meaning "Cemetery of the negro" in English). When people from the south in America said the word Negro it began to be pronounced negra which eventually became the negga which today always carries a negative connotation. Some quick research suggests that by the 1840s in the US, the slang phrase 'nigger toe' was commonly being used to denote various objects of a darker hue, not just nuts.
Posted by: in8sworld | November 22, 2007 at 05:38 AM
My wife had never heard the term, but then she didn't know the name of them either.
They're the nuts that are always left after the almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc are gone.
I told my wife the real name of the nuts after Googling the offensive term.
Posted by: aceboonkk | November 26, 2007 at 04:22 PM
Would be more offensive to call them the politically correct 'African American Toes'?
Posted by: aceboonkk | November 26, 2007 at 04:29 PM
I ran into an older white man at sam's today. I am also white but make an effort to raise my children to judge people by who they are not what they look like. He used the "N" word and I about fell over. While speaking with him he used other profanities. Looking back I wish I had said something, such as that offends me.
Posted by: Ginger | November 30, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Yes, I has well was alway's told nigger toes.. ...and when you take the shell off they are called HONKY Toes...
Posted by: Jason | December 08, 2007 at 07:26 PM
I live in CA and hear the term all the time, or at least during the holidays. This is a pretty liberal state, and from reading above, it is apparent that people are more concerned about their perceived issues, than having a "Merry Christmas"-now did that offend you too?
Posted by: Hans | December 25, 2007 at 10:57 AM
This thread rules. It is like getting to know America.
Posted by: Non-Prophet | December 25, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Wow, it's so surreal to find this. And it's crazy old. Just wanted to add Nebraska to the list. My parents and aunts and uncles used this term and probably still do. Being an infrequent nut eater myself, I was probably 20 before it occured to me what was going on. Gooooood loooooooord. Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Erin | January 17, 2008 at 03:27 PM
MY FRIEND FROM BRASIL HAS NEVER HEARD OF BRASIL NUTS...............HE HAS HEARD OF N*GGER TOES, THOUGH
Posted by: TIM | February 15, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Never heard that about Brazil nuts. Crazy. Unfortunately, my grandfather did used to call chocolate-covered creme drops by that name. They were shaped like little 1" cones. I do still hear the N word occasionally here in the Louisiana/Mississippi/Texas area, but almost always from people who are 60 years of age or older, or from people with Confederate flags on their trucks.
Posted by: Brett | February 20, 2008 at 08:13 AM
"Brazil Nuts" are simpy "chestnuts" in Brazil.
Just like "Canadian Bacon" is just "ham" in Canada.
Posted by: Brett | February 20, 2008 at 08:14 AM
YES THAT IS WHAT WE ALWAYS CALLED THEM AND I STILL DO, AND FAR AS THE WORD NIGGER LOOK IT UP PEOPLE THERE ARE SEVERAL DEFINITIONS OF IT AND THE ONE I USE IS IT IS A PERSON OF ANY RACE THAT IS NOT TRUST WORTHY AND CHEATS AND STEALS AND IS BASICLY A LOW DOWN SCUM OF THE EARTH . AND ANSWER ME THIS WHY IS IT OK FOR A BLACK PERSON TO CALL EACHOTHER A NIGGER BUT NOT A WHITE TO A BLACK? MAYBE THIS BLACK IS A NIGGER AND JUST CHEATED THE WHITE GUY. i THINK IF BLACKS WANT TO BE EQUEL THEN THEY SHOULD'NT GET ALL UPITY WHEN A WHITE OR ANYOTHER RACE SAYS NIGGER.
Posted by: David | February 20, 2008 at 04:10 PM
I've been a fan of language for many years, have read lots of slang books, Maledicta magazine, etc. So, in a nutshell, I'm a pretty smart, well-read guy. And I never heard this term until yesterday.
FYI, I'm 43, born and raised in California, and white.
Yesterday, I heard from my girlfriend that her grandparents in Southern California used the term. I think they were from Kentucky, BTW.
Posted by: Kevin | March 17, 2008 at 06:19 PM
The term "nigger toe" was used by my grandparents and parents. A few months ago, I asked two black co-workers what they called brazil nuts out of curiosity. Both smiled and laughed and said "niggah toes." one was from D.C. And the other Tennessee.
Posted by: duften | March 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM
If I used the 'N' word in my house growing up, I'd get slapped so fast I wouldn't have known what hit me. I never did, but we were warned. However, the Brazil nuts were casually referred to as nigger toes (don't shoot messenger.....I didn't make this name up!) and well accepted by all and we had many black people in our nice, middle class neighborhood who used the same term. Never did I get reprimanded using that term, however my mother did tell me it wasn't nice, but she nor anyone else associated nigger toes (Brazil nuts) with black people. I was always cautious using the term as an adult and still call them that unless in public. I was a a black friend's home and eating mixed nuts when I asked where the Brazil nuts were and they laughed and asked me if I meant nigger toes. I said yes & we all busted up laughing at the term. I never really gave it much thought other than to be careful out in public, but I rarely eat mixed nuts on the go. lol Racism is VERY bad & I am happy & proud I am not so:-)
Posted by: | July 23, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I'm 47, grew up in a Polish family in Chicago, and yes, that's what my parents, aunts and uncles called them. I also learned "eenie meenie minie moe, catch the nigger by the toe". I'm 100% opposed to racism, and I would never call a brazil nut by that name (and I *love* Brazil nuts), but I grew up in an environment where that was common. I'll tell you also, in 1983 when I was 22 and Harold Washington was running for mayor in Chicago (our first black mayor), the Republican precinct captain handed me literature and told me "Be sure to vote for Vrdolyak and keep the niggers out". Knowing full well that at least 90% of the people in the area would have agreed with his comment, I nonetheless dropped the literature on the ground in front of him and told him what I thought of him.
God, I hate my old neighborhood.
Posted by: Patrick | July 28, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas until grandma broke out the nigger toes.
Posted by: Dougoo | October 11, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I love Nigger Toes! They are so tasty. That's the only thing I ever heard growing up. At Christmas our stockings would be full of waxed pecans, tangerines and nigger toes. I only learned they were called Brazil nuts around 2007.
Posted by: tony tegro | October 16, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Maybe Obama can work on Brazil nut education when he gets elected.
Posted by: Non-Prophet | October 16, 2008 at 09:21 PM
It is interesting to learn there is another name for them. I always suspect there was a more formal term. Isn’t there also a flower by the same name?
Posted by: rn | October 24, 2008 at 06:41 PM