A right-wing tabloid in the United Kingdom is facing criticism after publishing a headline describing writer Sarah Vine’s “niggling worry” about Prince Harry marrying biracial actress Meghan Markle.

“Yes, they joyfully in love,” reads the headline of Vine’s front-page story in the Daily Mail. “So why do I have a niggling worry about this engagement picture?”

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The word “niggling” in and of itself is not racist, as it’s defined as a persistent discomfort or concern. However, it is also very close to the word “nigling,” a slur used by white supremacists to disparage black children.

Given that headline writers are often very careful and deliberate in the words they choose — especially if those words could provoke strong reactions, and thus help sell more papers — some critics believe that the Daily Mail intentionally used the word “niggling” as a racist dog whistle.

Check out some reactions from UK Twitter users below.

The word ‘niggling’ is not an accident. pic.twitter.com/rngWQvGMYE

— Danny (@shckldg) December 22, 2017

“niggling”
What she’s really thinking begins with “nigg–”
Could she make it any more obvious??
Wouldn’t wipe my arse with this…

— Nɪᴄᴋ Rʜᴏᴅᴇs (@__NickRhodes__) December 21, 2017

DM is pathetic. A “niggling” feeling. Next to Megan and Harry’s picture? Why that word? There is always an agenda

— ranting (@JustSmileRants) December 21, 2017

If your “niggling worry” takes 3 pages to explain then maybe you need to see a doctor. pic.twitter.com/LY5rUi01B0

— Tim Postins (@TimePositions) December 21, 2017

Why do I have a niggling worry?

For money, dear. For money. https://t.co/LBslDAkK1v

— Willshome (@willshome) December 22, 2017

‘Niggling’. Because that word wasn’t chosen on purpose or anything… pic.twitter.com/8nAFgrXOBy

— Ryan (@thisisryanon) December 22, 2017

TODAY: I don’t think dog-whistle journalism can sink lower than a columnist for the best selling newspaper in the country writing of her ‘niggling’ concerns over the first black member of the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/HIwItlJJ6w

— The DM Reporter (@DMReporter) December 22, 2017

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Raw Story is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. We’re not part of a conglomerate, or a project of venture capital bros. From unflinching coverage of racism, to revealing efforts to erode our rights, Raw Story will continue to expose hypocrisy and harm. Unhinged from corporate overlords, we fight to ensure no one is forgotten.

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