>> to anybody? >> no. >> you're 19 years old. >> yeah. >> when you hear people use this, what do you think? >> it's offensive. >> is there a difference between these two words? >> there is a difference. >> and the difference is? >> one would be more offending. >> what's interesting about this word, it's transformed into having a lot of different meanings, kind of like you're my friend, my equal. >> what does the "n" word mean to you? you heard honest opinions of people of different generations and races. one of the most offensive in the english language, but has the meaning been disarmed as jay-z puts it by the current generation? or will it forever carry a lethal racist connotation? i'm joined by the professor at columbia university, 2008 miss black massachusetts usa, and michael