Is the word 'Canadian' a racial slur?

In some parts of the United States, the word "Canadian'' has ugly connotations, and not because the country refused to join the war in Iraq.

In the south, "Canadian'' is sometimes used as a racial slur, referring to African-Americans.

A message that was reportedly sent by an assistant Texas district attorney recently brought the issue to light when he used the word "Canadians'' to describe African-Americans on a jury.

Stefan Dollinger, editor-in-chief of "Dictionary of Canadianisms on Historical Principles,'' says the term has its roots in the word "Canuck.''

While Canuck is a term of endearment that Canadians now use, Dollinger says it was once used by racist southern Americans to insult French Canadians with dark skins.

He says that in the US some people still use Canuck as a slur.