nigger in the woodpile

== English == === Alternative forms === nigger in the wood-pile, nigger in the wood pile === Etymology === First attested in the 1840s. This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term. === Noun === nigger in the woodpile (plural niggers in the woodpile or niggers in woodpiles) (offensive, ethnic slur, dated) A hidden motive, influence or factor; a concealed (potential) snag; something suspicious. Synonyms: nigger in the fence, Ethiopian in the woodpile, monkey in the woodpile ==== Usage notes ==== While nigger in the woodpile largely disappeared from American English by the 1960s, it has continued to see occasional use in British English into the 2020s. Regardless, it is still dated and highly likely to offend even in British use. ==== Translations ==== === References ===