1 in 3 people have used the N-word

May 08, 2014, 9:46 AM GMT+0

In Britain, 36% of people admit to having used the N-word while 'not attempting to be offensive’

Presenter Jeremy Clarkson recently attracted criticism for a video that emerged of unaired Top Gear footage in which he can be heard mumbling the N-word as part of the 'eeny meeny miny mo' rhyme. He has since begged his viewers’ forgiveness, saying that although he had tried to conceal the n-word, his efforts “weren’t good enough”.

New YouGov research outlines the extent of the use of the highly offensive term in Britain today.

22% of people say they have heard the word used in a deliberately offensive context in the past five years - ie by non-black friends, family members or colleagues referring to a black person. 70% say they have not.

The result contrasts with recent research by YouGov in America, where 51% have heard an acquaintance use the word in that context and 42% have not.

36% of people admit to having used the word themselves when 'not attempting to be offensive', such as when making a joke or reciting a rhyme or song. 65% say they have not.

The most common use of the word is when reciting a rhyme (22% say they have done this). 18% say they have used the word repeating song or rap lyrics, and 14% have made a joke using the word.

Jeremy Clarkson is on a ‘final warning’ from the BBC, who threaten to sack him if he ever makes an offensive remark again. He has also received criticism for using the offensive term 'slope' in reference to an Asian man who was seen walking along a bridge in an episode of Top Gear. Clarkson said: "That is a proud moment, but there's a slope on it." Richard Hammond replied: "You're right, it's definitely higher on that side."

Image: Getty

See the full poll results