At the time we put it down to our Mum being Irish!
And as for that mystical N word.... my elder brother along with many others I'm sure, had a dog (a very dark shade of grey)called Nigger (aren't I brave I typed the whole word. Come on get a grip here, life changes, things and words which are offensive now had no significance years ago and vice versa. Vive la change but never lose respect for your fellow man!!!!!