BBC Radio 4 is to examine the origins of the "n-word" in a new documentary, just weeks after the offence caused by the term was highlighted by controversies involving Jeremy Clarkson and Justin Bieber.
Literary editor Ellah Allfrey will present the programme next week and is to also examine whether a ban on its use is either "possible or desirable", according to the BBC.
The term was in the spotlight last month when Clarkson said he was "horrified" when an outtake from Top Gear came to light in which he had appeared to use the term. He apologised that his efforts at obscuring the word, as he recited a rhyme, had not been more successful.
And chart star Bieber said sorry when videos emerged, recorded a number of years ago, in which used the offensive word leading to a wave of criticism.
The BBC said Allfrey will look at the evolution of the term "from the mispronunciation of the Spanish 'negro' through to its subsequent re-appropriation in rap and hip-hop culture".
Just this week the Public Enemy star Chuck D called on the rap community to stop using and tolerating the word.
A station spokesman said of its programme to be broadcast on June 21: "This is a regular Archive On 4 commission, one of a range of topical programmes the network broadcasts in any given week."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here