Oreo

An Oreo is a popular type of cookie manufactured by Nabisco Corporation, introduced in 1912. It is very similar to Sunshine's competing Hydrox cookie, introduced in 1908, which having lost market share to Oreo for years, was withdrawn in 1996. The modern design of the "Oreo" was developed in 1952 by William A. Turnier. It consists of two circular chocolate wafers with a sugary white filling (commonly referred to as "cream," although it is technically not) sandwiched between them. Originally, Oreos were mound-shaped; hence the name "oreo" (Greek for "hill"). The modern design of the Oreo allows it to be eaten in several ways. Many people twist apart the wafers and eat the filling first; others eat the cookie without taking it apart.

Oreo as a racial term

The term "Oreo" is also used, primarily by African Americans, as a derogatory term for a person who is black by ethnicity, yet whose sympathies lie with Caucasians. The term implies that the individual so described is "black on the outside, but white on the inside"; "coconut" has the same suggestion. Individuals of Asian descent often use the terms "banana" and "Twinkie" for a similar metaphor, and Native Americans may use the term "apple." Caucasians and others generally consider these terms racist for implying that there is a certain way to act or think if an individual is of a given ethnicity. Some however argue such terms are an open indictment of white cultural appropration, as caucasians are thought not to be inclined to admit the extent to which they dominate American culture.

Related Topics:
African American - Ethnicity - Caucasian - Coconut - Banana - Twinkie - Apple - Racist

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Oreo is also a reversal for the term wigger.

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