It is not a word I use, but I completely understand why black folks use it when talking to each other. It's the same reason I'm an Okie and I live in the Sooner State--those words were both used as insults, but our state's leaders realized if you @#$&ing own that word, nobody can use it to insult you.
I choke back the emotion
I'm an Okie and I'm proud
So when you call me Okie,
Man, you'd better say it loud
-- Vince Gill and Jimmy Webb, Oklahoma Rising
