Murzyn

In the opinion of linguist Marek Łaziński [pl], it has also been associated with Shakespeare's 'noble' Othello, usually called a "moor" in English.

[9] Sociologist Antonina Kloskowska, writing in 1996 in "Race", ethnicity and nation: international perspectives on social conflict, says the word Murzyn "does not carry pejorative connotations.

[4] However, in 2006 philologist Grażyna Zarzycka said that the word "'Murzyn', which to many Poles, including academics, is not offensive, is seen by some black people as discriminatory and derogatory.

"[10] Łaziński, writing in the language advice column of the Polish dictionary in 2008, suggested that in cases where an individual may perceive Murzyn to be offensive, geographic or national designations should be used.

[11] Philosopher Marcin Miłkowski wrote in 2012 that the word Murzyn, "previously considered neutral, is now all but banned in newspapers".

The Council opinion is a recommendation, it does not have legal binding, yet this was unique and first time recognition of the archaic and pejorative meaning by a high expert body.

[9] Poland's first black Member of Parliament, John Godson, said in 2011 that the word was not offensive and that he was proud to be called a Murzyn.

[18] Back in 2011, Mamadou Diouf, a Polish-Senegalese musician and representative of the Committee for the African Community (Komitet Społeczności Afrykańskiej), criticised Godson for his use of the word.

[20] Among other usage examples, he cites a 2014 scandal with foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who reportedly said that Polish mentality suffers from "Murzyńskość" ["Murzynness"], adding "The problem in Poland is that we have very shallow pride and low self-esteem".

[21] A black Polish MP, Killion Munyama, used the expression sto lat za Murzynami ["100 years behind the Murzyns"] while speaking to Godson about the status of LGBT issues in Poland, characterising it as behind the times.