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'''Ofay''' is a [[race|racial]] slur; a black [[slang]] term for a white person.  The term first appeared in print in the early 20th century, and may be older still.{{fact}}  Its origin is unclear.

At least two possible derivations point to the [[Atlantic slave trade]] and [[Nigeria]].  During the 17th through 19th centuries, European traders established coastal ports in present-day Nigeria for their increasing traffic in slaves destined for the Americas.  Thus, "Ofay" might derive from the [[Ibibio]] word "afia," which means "light-colored," and may have referred to European traders.  

"Ofay" might also come from the [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]] word "ofe," spoken in hopes of disappearing from danger such as that posed by European traders.

See [[List of ethnic slurs]] ⏎
⏎
== References ==
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