Derogatory term for a
white person, the
caucasian equivalent of
nigger, as used by
African Americans. Popular in the early and mid
20th century and probably going back to the
slave era. Origin is possibly from the
Yoruba ofe, used to protect oneself from danger or trouble, or the
Ibibio afia, meaning white or light colored. Other (improbable) explanations are
pig latin for
foe, or the
French au fait, indicating, according to
H.L. Mencken,
mastery.
Also see: honky, cracker, whitey.