Ofay

Ofay is a racial slur; a black slang term for a white person. The term appears in print beginning in the early 20th century, and may be older still. 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 word "ofe," spoken in hopes of disappearing from danger such as that posed by European traders.

A third possible origin is the Pig Latin pronounciation of the English word "foe." This connection might only be coincidental.