Daily Mail opts to use ‘Niggling’ on the cover of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry engagement photos

Sure. Technically, the word "niggling" is an actual word. Sure.

Dec 22, 2017

Apparently, the folks over at the Daily Mail just couldn’t resist.

Thursday’s release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s gorgeous engagement photos prompted this headline from the British tabloid:

Yes, they’re joyfully in love. So why do I have a niggling worry about this engagement picture?

Sure. Technically, the word “niggling” is an actual word. It means “bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way,” according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary.

Daily Mail has used the word or a variation of the word “niggling” for several headlines over the years that don’t necessarily involve Black people.

But still. Why?

The tabloid is the UK’s No. 1 selling newspaper in print and digital. Obviously, Daily Mail is very much aware of what headlines will get clicks and sell papers.

Is Meghan Markle’s racial background a part of that?

Some Twitter users were quick to put the magazine on blast. Check out some of the Twitter responses below.

https://twitter.com/shckldg/status/944106318197149696

https://twitter.com/Civvy_Joe/status/944126846521741313

Remember when you couldn't get away with very thinly veiled racism on the front page of a newspaper? #niggling #Dailymail pic.twitter.com/J0KaBe9acE

— Max Joseph (@jaxmoseph) December 22, 2017

Niggling? NIGGLING??? pic.twitter.com/ZI6pij6skR

— Jason Sinclair (@jlsinc) December 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/Christiana1987/status/944221093757358080

The word "niggling" isn't exactly a commonly used word. The fact that she is black, and the word "niggling" starts the same as a common racial slur….

— Jonathan Hibberd 🌹🏳️‍🌈☯️🍣 (@kageneko) December 22, 2017

Update: 2:00 pm ET

A spokesman for The Daily Mail released the following statement to theGrio.com:

“There are absolutely no racial overtones to the use of the word ‘niggling’ and if anyone has formed any different impression we give our complete assurance that was not our intention. “Niggling” is a word of Scandinavian origin which is commonly used in the UK and simply means bothersome or persistent. It has been used in the past in numerous headlines by the Mail and other national newspapers on a whole variety of subjects. Meghan Markle’s African-American heritage makes her a most welcome addition to the Royal Family, and the Daily Mail joins everyone in Britain in wishing her and Harry every possible happiness.”