So as 40 year old white male growing up in my white small town American household when we would get dry flakey skin in winter time we would say something like “oh I’m getting ashy I need some lotion.” Never in a comedic tone. Never with any connotation. Just in a matter of fact way to announce your skins lack of moisture and physical appearance. Recently I said I was ashy and needed lotion and my wife told me that was racist and I shouldn’t say that. I’ve literally never thought about it in racial terms. To me it was no different than saying you had dandruff and needed some Head & Shoulders shampoo. Am I wrong? Is ashy a term I shouldn’t be using?
Ehhhh imo I don't think it's racist. Fair skinned people do get ashy, even if it isn't as noticeable.
I guess if it makes your old lady feel some kind of way that's a discussion to be had with her. I wouldn't necessarily point out this thread as a rebuttal though.
Also ashy (the word) is related to a medical condition as well. I can't remember the name but it references dry patchy skin. But I don't know the full etymology off the top of my head.
Everyone gets ashy so no it’s not racist. It just shows more on some people.
It's not racist; it comes from ash and ashen. You're right in that it is like dandruff. It is the same issue for everyone, it just presents differently on different levels of melanin.
There was a time when the term wasn’t well known amongst many white communities in the U.S. However, if you’re only 40, I suspect you were born well after the time when it had begun to spread.
Not racist.