Didn't mean to come off as a racist. I should probably have mentioned that I'm Italian. The way we always used the word "cugine" was to describe a young, cocky, wiseguy wanna-be.
Exclusively applied to Italian-American males,it is a disrespectful and contemptuous term that we use for those that are an embarassment.

I do agree that it is like an African American using the N-word.Even though it is used by one of the same race,it is still not a proper way to refer to another person.

I wasn't thinking when I used the term,and the fact that I am Italian doesn't excuse my use of the word.Apologies if anyone took offense.

"Now go get your fu**ing shine box." (Just kidding,thought it would be a funny line to throw in).