kansparel

Dutch

Alternative forms

• kansenparel

Etymology

2000s or 2010s coinage from kans (“chance, opportunity”) +‎ parel (“pearl”), parodying real or imagined left-wing or liberal discourse apologetically depicting youths from socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-Western backgrounds as holding great but unrealized potential and promise.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɑnsˌpaː.rəl/

Noun

kansparel f (plural kansparels, diminutive kanspareltje n)

1. (derogatory, populist politics) A criminal or thuggish youth, particularly with a non-Western ethnic background.

Usage notes

• This term is often considered racist, especially on the left and centre of the political spectrum.