Some ppl don’t mind the use of the word “nappy” in reference to their hair texture. It’s not that I mind, but the word “nappy” has such negative connotations.
I prefer the word “kinky.”
Out of curiosity, I googled “nappy.”
A couple definitions I ran across are:
1. gross, disgusting
2. fuzzy
3. often offensive–tightly curled or coiled
That doesn’t really sound like how I’d like my hair to be described. “Nappy” is even noted as being an offensive word. Apart from the word being defined as “sexually deviant” (mhm…some of y’all already know lol), “kinky” simply means “tightly twisted or curled.”
The difference is even implied in the way some people say the word “nappy” versus “kinky”: “Oooo girl, why is your hair so nappy?!” See if you can recall someone saying this with a pleasant tone. Right. I have never heard that being used in a complimenting, admiring tone. And if “nappy” isn’t offensive, why is there an instant uproar when we hear the word fall from the lips of someone who is not Black?
I know some people try to embrace the word “nappy” & make it their own, similar to what we’ve seen people try to do with the other N-word. But there are so many other words that can describe my hair without the negative stigma attached to them and I’d rather focus on those. Some of you may not agree, but that is simply fine. In the end, it comes down to what makes you comfortable and what you prefer.
The words are viewed as synonymous, but “nappy” suggests something unfavorable & unpleasant for many people. I see “nappy” as what happens to unkempt kinky hair.
& so, I describe my hair texture as “kinky” =)
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