Blanker
/BLANK-er/ noun (slur)
≈ “Racial slur for white people”
In the inverted-racism world of Noughts and Crosses, 'blanker' is the slur used by the dominant black Crosses against the oppressed white Noughts.
“Don't talk to that blanker. They're not worth your time.”— Various Cross characters
Etymology
Derived from 'blank' — implying whiteness is emptiness or nothingness. In the series' inverted racial hierarchy, it functions exactly as the N-word does in our world.
Usage History
Used throughout Malorie Blackman's Noughts and Crosses series (2001-2019) and the BBC TV adaptation (2020).
Taboo Trajectory
Designed to make predominantly white readers experience the impact of a racial slur directed at them, creating empathy through discomfort.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Used consistently in the novel series and BBC TV adaptation. Carries increasing weight as the political situation in the story escalates.
Regional Notes
Used by the dominant Cross (black) population against the marginalized Nought (white) population.