nyjer seed

English

Etymology

Pronunciation respelling of Niger seed, to avoid a supposed resemblance between Niger and nigger. Compare usage notes at niggardly.

Noun

nyjer seed (plural nyjer seeds)

1. (US) Alternative form of Niger seed
   • 2004, Fern Marshall Bradley, Projects for the Birder's Garden, page 107:

     […] you could easily keep a jar of nyjer seed on your work desk indoors.

   • 2015, Shalini Saxena, A Bird Watcher's Guide to Goldfinches:

     I usually put nyjer seeds in the feeder. These look like black rice. I mix some sunflower seeds in there, too.