Holy cow. Did anyone see Time.com this morning?

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Now, please understand, this is NOT meant to be a comment on this presidential race, the SC primary, or who won or who didn't or whatnot. It's merely a comment about Time.com. So please oh please oh please don't get me into trouble with the PTB for posting a thread that turns political.

This (http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1707277,00.html) article did NOT have the same headline when I left to go to church.

My jaw dropped. I blinked and said to my husband, "Tell me this headline doesn't say what I think it says." Unfortunately, my eyes were not deceiving me.

The original headline was "Obama's Win Rejiggers the Race."

It really did. I swear. It was sitting on the computer like that when I came back home, and when I refreshed the page the word had changed to "Reshaped."

Somebody is smoking something over there, and I don't think it's tobacco.

Just shaking my head here.

[Daisy]

No Way!!!

Course the word has not always had a negative connotation. My DH simple thought of sailing terminology and I immediately thought of booze. However, that would never have been my choice of words given that it DOES have a negative connotation.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

No Way!!!

Way. I hope somebody got fired.

[Daisy]

That really is crazy. You would think that the editor of Time.com would be aware of such a HUGE no-no BEFORE the article hit the internet.

[GothicGyrl]

Daisy, I agree with you. But down here, "rejiggers" is the same as "nigger rigged" or "jimmy rigged", which is what people took it as on the website.

I do say "jimmy rigged" and most of my black friends don't have a problem with it. But even they don't say "N rigged".

(you do realize how hard that word was for me to type?)

[Daisy]

http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/surprised/jaw-dropping.gif (http://www.thesmilies.com)

That says it all.

[GothicGyrl]

http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/surprised/jaw-dropping.gif (http://www.thesmilies.com)

That says it all.
Exactly. And since Obama is black and having a hard time as it is, can you imagine Time's email program being mail bombed this morning? I can. And I bet none of them were as nice as we are being.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I don't know for sure that they meant all that, of course, but it did seem a rather deliberate rhyme.

[GothicGyrl]

I don't know for sure that they meant all that, of course, but it did seem a rather deliberate rhyme.
I'm sure they meant "rejiggers" as in "re-configures". But, considering Obama is black, it's not going to be taken that way.

It truly isn't and since they changed the title, that tells me it wasn't.

[melissel]

Daisy, I agree with you. But down here, "rejiggers" is the same as "nigger rigged" or "jimmy rigged", which is what people took it as on the website.

I do say "jimmy rigged" and most of my black friends don't have a problem with it. But even they don't say "N rigged".

(you do realize how hard that word was for me to type?)

Wow, I was completely mystified as to why it would be even remotely offensive until I saw this! Is that really the origin of the word "rejigger"? I have nevernevernever heard it used this way, ever.

[GothicGyrl]

Wow, I was completely mystified as to why it would be even remotely offensive until I saw this! Is that really the origin of the word "rejigger"? I have nevernevernever heard it used this way, ever.
Again, I loathe this word, I really do. But it isn't uncommon to hear "nigger rigged" in a derogatory way. It evolved into "jimmy rigged" but there are still some moron's who use the derogatory word. I'm not sure if it is locationally based, but yep--I hear it in a derogatory manner all day long. :(

Oh and let me add that I don't think what I said is the former definition of "rejigger", I just think the way it was written and who it was written about, is being taken that way.

[Melora in NC]

I guess I'm glad I read this, because I use "rejigger," and never knew it had any connotation other than reconfigure. I still don't get the racial connection, but I'll keep it in mind.

[Melinda in VT]

Anyone have an Oxford English Dictionary? I would love to hear what it lists as the origin of the word.

I had no idea it was a derogatory term, although I can't think of the last time I've heard it used.

[Laura Corin]

Again, I loathe this word, I really do. But it isn't uncommon to hear "nigger rigged" in a derogatory way.

I read the OP but didn't comment, because I had no idea what the outrage was about. In Britain we use the word 'rejig' with no racial connotation, as far as I know. I've always connected it with the tool called a jig.

Laura

[melissel]

Again, I loathe this word, I really do. But it isn't uncommon to hear "nigger rigged" in a derogatory way. It evolved into "jimmy rigged" but there are still some moron's who use the derogatory word. I'm not sure if it is locationally based, but yep--I hear it in a derogatory manner all day long. :(

Oh and let me add that I don't think what I said is the former definition of "rejigger", I just think the way it was written and who it was written about, is being taken that way.

I'm blown away. I know I'm in a pretty liberal state (NJ) and all, but I've never even heard the term "jimmy rigged" before. I've heard of "jerry rigged," though--which, according to M-W at least, is unrelated.

Sheesh. I use "rejigger" all the time. I guess I'll have to reconsider that.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I thought it was a nautical term. But that's not why I was shocked. I've never heard used like Toni mentioned.

But it does have a negative connotation, I thought, kinda like when you rearrange something to pass it off as fine.

I thought it was an unfortunate placement of a fairly underused, unfamiliar word.

[GothicGyrl]

Melora/Melinda... I agree with you that I wouldn't have thought it derogatory. Like I said, I use "jimmy rigged" all the time.
Links:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/45/R0134500.html (american heritage)
(and all online dictionaries give the same definition)..

But considering, again, who is running, what race he is, and the conotation the word **can** have to people who've heard words like "N rigged" in a derogatory way all their lives, it can have a negative affect.

Melissa--yeah, "jerry rigged" is used here too. Mostly by older people. But I hear "jimmy" and "N" more than "jerry". :( My part of Florida is not so nice to other races.

[melissel]

Anyone have an Oxford English Dictionary? I would love to hear what it lists as the origin of the word.

I had no idea it was a derogatory term, although I can't think of the last time I've heard it used.

Now that I think about it, it probably has no relationship to the origin of the word. I'm sure rejigger is a perfectly benign word, later used in a pejorative way by people trying to be "funny." Ugh.

[WTMindy]

I don't think it is so much that "rejiggered" is a bad word or even derived from the n-word, but in this context the rhyming word is poor judgement. I have never heard of rejiggered in that context, but if I had seen the headline I would have thought it just too close to the border to be appropriate.

[GothicGyrl]

Now that I think about it, it probably has no relationship to the origin of the word. I'm sure rejigger is a perfectly benign word, later used in a pejorative way by people trying to be "funny." Ugh.
You ladies have honestly never heard the term "N rigged"? Dh is from Indiana, and I just asked him and he said that he's always heard "jerry rigged" used in a non-derogatory fashion, but "N rigged" was ALWAYS stated derogatively.

So, I don't know. I'm not saying I agree with this, ladies. I'm just saying that I can totally understand why the Time's messed up.

[melissel]

You ladies have honestly never heard the term "N rigged"? Dh is from Indiana, and I just asked him and he said that he's always heard "jerry rigged" used in a non-derogatory fashion, but "N rigged" was ALWAYS stated derogatively.

So, I don't know. I'm not saying I agree with this, ladies. I'm just saying that I can totally understand why the Time's messed up.

Never. And I didn't think you agreed with it, at all! I'm just so shocked by the terminology. I guess I'm a little innocent. And again, it's NJ! Plus, I don't think I'd be spending a lot of time with someone who would use the term anyway :(

[GothicGyrl]

Never. And I didn't think you agreed with it, at all! I'm just so shocked by the terminology. I guess I'm a little innocent. And again, it's NJ! Plus, I don't think I'd be spending a lot of time with someone who would use the term anyway :(
Trust me, I cut my time short when people start foaming at the mouth with words like that. I was not raised a bigot, racist or anything else and I'm not about to subject my children to that kind of behavior either.

I suppose it's locationally known then. Down here, that word will get you killed, period. It's very derogatory.

[Doran]

I don't know about smoking...I think they're cooking in their own juices right about now. Yipe! Crispy fried. What a blunder, intentional (heaven forbid!) or not.

Origins here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_rig


Doran

[Kris]

I looked it up in both the American Heritage and Merriam-Webster dictionaries and it just says "to readjust or rearrange." Is it common for dictionaries to not include the derogatory meaning of a word?

Personally, I had never heard the term before, so I had to look it up. I'm only familiar with "jerry rigged" and "jury rigged" which to us always meant something like "put together with paperclips" which is, unfortunately, my hubby's view of the world. He swears by duct tape. :-)

ETA: *sigh* I wish they'd come up with something besides "larvae," which it seems I shall forever be.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I don't think it is so much that "rejiggered" is a bad word or even derived from the n-word, but in this context the rhyming word is poor judgement. I have never heard of rejiggered in that context, but if I had seen the headline I would have thought it just too close to the border to be appropriate.


Exactly. No need not to use the word, just, you know, not when you're writing a headline about a black man winning a primary by a large margin.

I didn't even have the meaning or the etymology of the word in mind this morning when I saw it, just the word "jiggered" over the picture of a jubilant Barak Obama.

[melissel]

I didn't even have the meaning or the etymology of the word in mind this morning when I saw it, just the word "jiggered" over the picture of a jubilant Barak Obama.

LOL! That's a jaw-dropping moment for sure.

[Stephanie in FL]

As another Floridian, I have heard the term numerous times. Like you said, Toni, I can understand why the Time's messed up too.

[Audrey]

Is it a FL thing, Toni? I'm from S.Fl. and I know exactly what you're talking about. The first thing I thought was, "oh my goddess! I can't believe they dragged out the word 'j*gab**' like that!!" (Sorry, I can't type that out.) I did think, though, that word was used elsewhere across the deep south, too.

[GothicGyrl]

Is it a FL thing, Toni? I'm from S.Fl. and I know exactly what you're talking about. The first thing I thought was, "oh my goddess! I can't believe they dragged out the word 'j*gab**' like that!!" (Sorry, I can't type that out.) I did think, though, that word was used elsewhere across the deep south, too.
You know, I'm not sure. Dh's grandparents would have used the word "jiggaboo" as much as the "N" word, just as my grandparents would have. Both sets are from the North (mine are from Italy/New York).

It is a deep south thing though. Read "Huck Finn" or any book like that--those books are replete with those words.

[Karenciavo]

Laura in China said "rejig" is common in Britain, the Oxford Dictionary also attests to this. I think it is entirely possible that the person unknowingly used a word that some would find offensive simply because it rhymes with an offensive word. No reason to call for anyone's head or get the lynching parties out. Yes, I deliberately used that word because I find the Golf Channel's handling of one of their anchors ridiculous, I realize that was more of a blunder, and I hope Time doesn't overact in the same manner.

[Lorna]

We have a nursery rhyme
'To market, to market to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggidy-jig'
I thought it kind off meant 'shaken-up' like one might be on the back of a horse and cart.

It puts me in mind of my Canadian friend. In England we call 'erasers' 'rubbers'. Imagine my friend's shocked look when I picked up her daughter's magazine and said 'Oh that's nice, you got some free rubbers with it!'

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

We have a nursery rhyme
'To market, to market to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggidy-jig'
I thought it kind off meant 'shaken-up' like one might be on the back of a horse and cart.


A "jig" is a dance. Usually done on the toes, I think, like a tap-dance or soft-shoe? I think.

[Karenciavo]

We have a nursery rhyme
It puts me in mind of my Canadian friend. In England we call 'erasers' 'rubbers'. Imagine my friend's shocked look when I picked up her daughter's magazine and said 'Oh that's nice, you got some free rubbers with it!'

http://www.smileygenerator.us/community/searchsmiley/r/laughing-roflmao3.gif

[SFP]

I think it is entirely possible that the person unknowingly used a word that some would find offensive simply because it rhymes with an offensive word.

Possible, but not probable. Journalists, and especially headline writers, develop a heightened sensibility where double entendres are concerned. Or they're supposed to. Someone at a national magazine should be expected to know the shifting connotations a particular word carries when placed in conjunction with others. I expect whoever wrote this was laughing inwardly no matter how wide-eyed and innocent his act once someone else on staff spotted it. Race has been too much in the news the past week for it to be otherwise.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Laura in China said "rejig" is common in Britain, the Oxford Dictionary also attests to this. I think it is entirely possible that the person unknowingly used a word that some would find offensive simply because it rhymes with an offensive word. No reason to call for anyone's head or get the lynching parties out. Yes, I deliberately used that word because I find the Golf Channel's handling of one of their anchors ridiculous, I realize that was more of a blunder, and I hope Time doesn't overact in the same manner.

My ds used a rhyming word that got him in a whole heap of trouble and almost changed the course of his life (almost got him kicked out of school). He was 11, though.

It changed the way some people looked at us for awhile. It was horrible. I actually *taught* him the 'n' word before he went off to school, so he'd know what it was and not chime in if other kids used it. I asked the admin if he'd been exposed to the word recently, and they said they took the boys to see Remember the Titans that week, but that they were certain that this would not have influenced his vocabulary. (Uh, ok.)

I was horrified for him. And I hear you about listening and considering context. I got it then, and I get it now. You definitely offer something for me to think about.

But grown people should, IMO, know better. And sometimes words and actions have consequences, even though they are not ill-meant.

It is entirely possible that this is a more common word in other parts of the country than it is where I live. And that might influence the wrenching feeling in my gut when I read it. It might not have affected me this much if it were more common here. I'm not sure.

[Rich with Kids]

As another Floridian, I have heard the term numerous times. Like you said, Toni, I can understand why the Time's messed up too.
I have never, ever heard the word rejigger. I was born in MO and raised in TX and spent loads of time in FL growing up. When I first read the original title, it sounded to me like he "rigged" it.

[Michelle T]

is that used in certain areas of the country? I've only lived in southern Cali, and never heard that word.

The closest term I know is "jerry-rigged", for something sort of patched together.

I guess I'm not clear on how "rejigger" is the same as "nigger-rigged", although that seems to be the consensus here. I've never heard that second term before this board, either!
Michelle T

[Melora in NC]

You ladies have honestly never heard the term "N rigged"?

Unfortunately, That expression is one I am quite familiar with. I haven't heard it here in NC, but over 40 years in FL I heard it plenty! I just wouldn't have connected it with "rejiggered." But, as has been pointed out, in the context I can see how the choice of words might lead to unfortunate mental connections. "Jig/jigaboo," though, is a word I've never heard.

[Rhondabee]

OK - once again my deep-south (deep, deep, deep South) roots must be showing.

This is not the first term that I heard used repeatedly growing up, but *never* in relation to anybody's race, that is, I find out later, considered offensive. (I always just figured if something was "jimmy-rigged" it meant that you fixed it with whatever you had available, which worked just fine, even though it wasn't technically the right way to do it.)

I never, never, never, never NEVER knew it had *any* other connotation! Now I wonder how many people I've offended in the world in complete ignorant bliss - (as I mentioned, this isn't the first word that this has happened with).

Anyplace I could go to see some sort of official list of "words that don't mean what you might think they mean"???

How embarrassing...

[Karenciavo]

But grown people should, IMO, know better. And sometimes words and actions have consequences, even though they are not ill-meant.

It is entirely possible that this is a more common word in other parts of the country than it is where I live. And that might influence the wrenching feeling in my gut when I read it. It might not have affected me this much if it were more common here. I'm not sure.

I understand Pam. There is a reason why you had a gut-wrenching reaction, I'm sure I would have too. We are not at a place in this country yet where it's not at the forefront of people's minds. I hope though that we are at a place where after our initial "ouch" we can be reasonable enough to hear a person out about what they meant. I think of a certain conservative radio talk show host and the use of the word "niggardly." I think it is more likely he wanted to impress his audience with his superior vocabulary than raise a firestorm. I mean really, for what purpose? What purpose does some writer at Time have if they knowingly did this? How could they possibly think it would end?

I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt, even if I am no fan of Time or a certain conservative talk show host.

[Rhondabee]

Oh, see, jig-a-boo is another word that I heard all the time growing up, and never knew it had any racial connotations.

(See my post way below)

[Mama Lynx]

I have never, ever heard the word rejigger. I was born in MO and raised in TX and spent loads of time in FL growing up. When I first read the original title, it sounded to me like he "rigged" it.

I don't think I have ever heard the term either. It sounded to me like he shook up the race.

I have frequently heard the term "jerry rigged," but never the other variants.

The Time headline would not have caused me to bat an eye.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

A little update...

Some commentary here (http://americandigest.org/mt-archives/punditinstants/editors_rejigge.php). It pretty much echoes what SFP said, then expands on it a bit.

[Baseballmom]

I grew up in Minnesota and have never heard any of these terms, except for "Jimmy rigged." I just thought it meant, "not done correctly." I have to admit when I read the article the OP posted, I thought, "what's the big deal", I just didn't get it. It's amazing how different regions say different things. Did you know in parts of Wisconsin they call a drinking fountain a bubbler. I love to learn strange new words. Although this one is one I will not be using.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

You know, I really REALLY don't think there's anything wrong with the word "rejigger." I just think someone was messing around with punning and wordplay where they should not have been.

Like a headline that said "New Wrinkle in Solving Progeria Puzzle" would not be REMOTELY funny. But you wouldn't stop using the word "wrinkle" in the proper context, you know?

[GothicGyrl]

So it is as I said, although the "n" word would be too harsh for this now (considering the re-post), race was involved in the use of the word.

I am having this same discussion somewhere else and we all seem to agree that the use of the word, although defined as something we all understand it truly means, wasn't meant that way this time. :)

And baseballmom---that's like over in Europe, a "fag" is a cigarette (or it used to be).. but over here it means something completely different.

And Pam--I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the word "rejigger" but like the word "niggardly" (which simply means a miserly person), it has taken on a new meaning in a newer context in today's society. That's why there was something "wrong" with it.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

And Pam--I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the word "rejigger" but like the word "niggardly" (which simply means a miserly person), it has taken on a new meaning in a newer context in today's society. That's why there was something "wrong" with it.

I have only seen the word once or twice, and only in newspaper articles. So I have no knowledge of an improper use in broader society.

[GothicGyrl]

I have only seen the word once or twice, and only in newspaper articles. So I have no knowledge of an improper use in broader society.
Well, this is where I and the others who've stated so, come in. We HAVE heard it used improperly, that's why I even came to this thread. I'm not saying it is right, I'm just saying we have heard it used that way and know why Time should have never used that word.

[Karenciavo]

A little update...

Some commentary here (http://americandigest.org/mt-archives/punditinstants/editors_rejigge.php). It pretty much echoes what SFP said, then expands on it a bit.

Yes, that is one person's commentary. I googled the word and noticed it has been used many times by news organizations such as the Washington Post, the NY Times, MSNBC, Entertainment Weekly :D

Vanderleun and SFP are insiders, they've seen this sort of thing before, that is a sorry thing, but I don't think a person's career should end over assumptions. If the junior editor is an idiot who has pulled stunts before, by all means give him the heave-ho after a fair look at the facts.

Do words mean something or do they only mean what we think they mean?

Edited to say: Truthiness - a satirical term to describe things that a person claims to know intuitively or "from the gut" without regard to evidence, logic, intellectual examination or facts. - Stephen Colbert

[Gigi]

"n* rigged" or "jimmy rigged",


It is not just in Florida that these terms are used. I know in Chicago where my parents grew up many people used racist terminology because that was the norm and then when people became more aware of their language it turned into jimmy rigged to become more acceptable.

Also among this same generation "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" was learned differently and once I learned the racist version it is hard for me not to wince when I hear kids using it. Though I did check and the nicer version was first so I let my kids use it.

[Colleen]

I've never in my life (including six years spent living in the South) heard the term. Even the "rhyme" connotation wouldn't have struck me, to be honest.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Yabbut, see, you're pure in heart. I'm a jaded, cynical, suspicious woman. :D

[GothicGyrl]

There are a very few children's rhymes that have conotations other than intended. I know snopes covers most of them, although I can't find the link now... but yeah, some of them do have not so nice meanings.

I suppose it is both regional and how you were raised. If you led a bit of a sheltered life, you wouldn't hear these things as much as one who didn't.

[Colleen]

Yabbut, see, you're pure in heart. I'm a jaded, cynical, suspicious woman. :D

Bwahahaha!!!! Now THAT made me laugh!:D

[Colleen]

I suppose it is both regional and how you were raised. If you led a bit of a sheltered life, you wouldn't hear these things as much as one who didn't.

Can't say I led a bit of a sheltered life, so I have to assume it's regional. I've lived in more than one region, though, and bounced around a bit traveling and still haven't come across it.

[GothicGyrl]

Can't say I led a bit of a sheltered life, so I have to assume it's regional. I've lived in more than one region, though, and bounced around a bit traveling and still haven't come across it.
Well then, all I can say is you are a lucky one then. I think we all could do without those words in our vocabulary, but I also believe that knowing those words exist and whether or not one should use them, makes one a little more informed than most.

[SheilaZ]

As a life-long southerner, I winced at the headline.
It was just too close to use with that candidate. Mabe with any other person it could have be overlooked. But I wonder if they would have considered using that lede in Hillary or Edwards had won.

I even read the headline to my husband. (Another Southerner but also military so he's lived a number of places.)
His eye bugged and head jerked a bit. His response," I hope they pulled that one really fast."

[Laura Corin]

It puts me in mind of my Canadian friend. In England we call 'erasers' 'rubbers'. Imagine my friend's shocked look when I picked up her daughter's magazine and said 'Oh that's nice, you got some free rubbers with it!'

A friend had a similar problem years ago in France. She was staying with a French family and wanted to praise the good ingredients in the home-made cake she was offered. She didn't have the vocabulary, but gave it a try, saying that the cake didn't have any 'preservatifs' in it. She didn't know that this was the French word for condoms.

Laura

[elizabeth]

Wow -http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/01/tiger-was-too-q.html She should be fired as should Golf Week that ran a noose on its cover. To suggest otherwise is myopic and quite frankly, disturbing

[Karenciavo]

Wow -http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/01/tiger-was-too-q.html She should be fired as should Golf Week that ran a noose on its cover. To suggest otherwise is myopic and quite frankly, disturbing

According to the link you posted even Tiger Woods is not taking it as hard as you. I find people rushing to judgment disturbing.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

And Pam--I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the word "rejigger" but like the word "niggardly" (which simply means a miserly person), it has taken on a new meaning in a newer context in today's society. That's why there was something "wrong" with it.

It really bothers me that a perfectly good word has become off limits because a group of people have decided that it sounds too much like some other word, even if there is no connection in word origin. It frosts me that someone elses ignorance has the ability to put a checkrein on my vocabulary.

[GothicGyrl]

It really bothers me that a perfectly good word has become off limits because a group of people have decided that it sounds too much like some other word, even if there is no connection in word origin. It frosts me that someone elses ignorance has the ability to put a checkrein on my vocabulary.
And I would agree with you, I do. But that's just the way the world of etemology crumbles. :) I have a real beef with dictionaries now using "ebonics" as acceptable language or "haXxor" speak (the OMG LOL stuff) and that they put "ain't" in the dictionary. :)

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

It really bothers me that a perfectly good word has become off limits because a group of people have decided that it sounds too much like some other word, even if there is no connection in word origin. It frosts me that someone elses ignorance has the ability to put a checkrein on my vocabulary.

The loss bothers me as well. It's the height of ignorance. I know better than to try to make "cute" OR "cutting" with wordplay (if you can call it that), and I want to be able to use the word on occasion.

True confession time: I still use the word "gay" in its original context at times. Not often, but I do. And I don't think anybody much minds.

[Kathy in MD]

for a makeshift arangement.

I never heard N rigged.

[GothicGyrl]

Since this was brought to the top--please go to the Tampa Tribune website. There is a nice article on "coloreds" and that sort, regarding Black History. It totally describes what it was like to be black in this area, during the height of segregation.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/28/voices-courage/?life