“like we’ve never said the word before”
Being from the South, I’ve used that word pretty much every day of my adult life. Not proud of it OR embarrassed by it, just a fact. I also have always believed you don’t necessarily have to be black to be one. For me It’s about behavior, conduct and character (or lack there of).
Well, you have something in common with “urban” youths, then, if you used that word nearly every day of your life.