I knew the word too, and was amazed to find out how many people didn't and had to look it up! It really doesn't come up often and I guess I'm not surprised many people hadn't heard it before ... the younger ones anyway.

I also checked dictionary.com to see if there's any indication that it's a highly charged word with negative racial connotations. But it's presented in a neutral manner ... which I do find misleading.

By the time I checked the comm in question they'd already removed it from their tags and posted an apology. Guess it was a learning experience for some.