Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

I had never even heard the word "nappy" -- my wife had to define it for me -- until the Don Imus uproar. Now that I know it defines the tight curls of African-American hair, I'd like to know if it is also considered an insulting word in itself? Is it neutral, to say that people have straight, curly, or nappy hair? Or is it something that people would take offense at?

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

nappy is a descriptive word.

however, historically it was used negatively to describe black people's hair as undesirable and that is why it now has a negative connotation especially when non-blacks say it.

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

Nappy can also refer to hair as being "disgusting" (ie unclean or some other displeasing appearance), say you hadn't washed your hair in a week, some would describe it as 'nappy'. so yes it can be very offensive, true or not.

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

To me, a nappy is what you would call a diaper. Ho hum.

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

its one of those double standard words, if a black person says their hair got wet in the rain, and now its nappy that's fine

but if a diff ethnic group say the same thing it's offensive im black, as if it matters

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

NAPPY IS JUST ANOTHER FUC-KEN DESCRIPTIVE WORD.....FUC-K, NOW WE CANT DESCRIBE WITHOUT BEING SHUNNED????? I'M HALF WHITE AND HALF HISPANIC.....I SAY THAT EVERY ONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY...BUT NOW INSTEAD AMERICA IS PUTTING BLACK PPL HIGHER THAN THE REST BECAUSE THEY FEEL BAD FOR THE FUC-KEN PAST............IF BLACK PPL CAN SAY "OH LOOK AT THAT WHITE ***" NO ONE SAYS SHI-T ..I SAY FUC-KEN GIVE ME A BREAK.......AND I'M NOT JOHN STOSSEL....SORRY FOR THE LANGUAGE.

Is "nappy" a simple descriptive word, or is it considered a derogatory term?

Actually, Nappy, like the other "N" word is derogatory, depending on who is using the word. A better word for non-african americans would be Natural....please and thank you. PJ