This is a somewhat
derogatory term. Kind of along the lines of calling
Black People "
coloreds" or
Asian People "
oriental." It's actual spelling is "
quadroon." It's offensiveness stems from the fact that it is an
outdated way of identifying
racial make-up that originated in a
racially biased society. A similar example of this
phenomena would be in the way the word '
nigger' used to be used as a term to identify someone of
African descent but is now considered a
highly derogatory term. I always feel a little
sorry for people who use
words like this. I think they should
get out more.
Similar throwbacks to more ignorant times: octaroon, darky, mulatto, colored, half-breed, high yellow, pickaninny
As a side note, I am going to Kick Webster 1913's ASS for being such an old-fashioned dickhead. Everything needs a revised and updated dictionary!