BBB 25: Diego Hypolito reprimands Edilberto about using the term ‘denigrate’: ‘Never speak again’

During a conversation this Wednesday afternoon (15) on BBB 25, Diego Hypolito caught Edilberto’s attention by using the term “denigrate”. The ex-gymnast’s speech to the circus artist has been resonating on social media.

“I had no intention of hurting or denigrating in any way. I just expressed it to create the dynamic…”, said Edilberto, when he was interrupted by Diego.

“I’m sorry, denigrating is a word that isn’t spoken. It’s a super insult, by the way. You can say diminish, but never denigrate. This is a question of ethnicity, of race. Don’t ever say that again”, Diego told his brother.

Edilberto apologized and said he didn’t know the term was considered offensive: “I swear to God I didn’t know.” Joselma, who was listening to the conversation, also confessed that she did not know the meaning. “I’m here to learn from you,” she said.

“Denigrating” fell into disuse because it was considered a racist expression. Although the origin of the word does not suggest a form of prejudice, the explanation can be given by the association of its two meanings: “to make it dark” and “to tarnish one’s reputation”.

The first, originating from the Latin language, has a literal meaning, and the second has a figurative meaning. The combination of the two meanings gives rise to the idea that making something dark (or black) is something negative, which should be avoided, which suggests the connection of black people as bad.