A VC asked me not to use the ‘N-word.’ He meant nipple

I had a bizarre experience recently with a prominent venture capitalist in Southeast Asia, and I’m still trying to make sense of what he said. Or more accurately, what he asked me not to say.

I met the VC – let’s call him Mr. T – in his office. He wanted to know more about our brand, Mama’s Choice. I spent about 20 minutes discussing the opportunity in the direct-to-consumer space.

I explained that one of our top sellers is our nipple cream, which contains soothing shea butter and nourishing date extract. I shared the research and interviews we’d done that showed how cracked nipples are a huge problem among nursing women in Southeast Asia since many of them breastfeed for more than a year.

Photo credit: Roshni Mahtani

I was about a minute into sharing data on some of the work we do to help tackle this issue and explaining why we care about it when he abruptly cut me off:

Mr. T: Roshni, can you use another word instead?

Me: Sorry, I don’t understand. Which word are you referring to?

Mr. T: The N-word.

Me: N-word? Do you mean nipple?

Mr. T: Yes. Can you use another word? That word makes me uncomfortable.

Me: I don’t think I know another word for nipple. It’s a normal body part and the cream is one of our top-selling products.

Mr. T: —

Me: Hmm, OK. Let me tell you about our breastmilk booster. Or does that also make you feel uncomfortable?

Out with euphemisms, in with candor