some quick background on that phrase:
- originally referred to a field implement ( in literal ancient history. )
- became associated with cards around the same time as it became a term for people with black skin, both in relatively recent history.
- the new usage first had a neutral sense, but it quickly became a slur.
lots of people don’t know the negative connotations, but lots of others do. it might be best to avoid it altogether because of the weight it has.
( fwiw: vonnegut is great. maybe his use of it shows how privilege lets even a politically-minded and thoughtful writer be oblivious. kind of like i’m sure there are manspreaders out there who haven’t ever thought about their… spreading. ick. )
this npr code-switch piece has a good summary about the phrase.
