What is Atticus' opinion of the word "nigger"?

The "N" word was a common term for black people. It was an accepted term used by the white community. Still it was offensive. Atticus was a progressive man and knew the common status quo was offensive, he wanted more from his children.

"Scout," said Atticus, "nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don't mean anything—like snot-nose. It's hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring Negroes over and above themselves. It's slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody."