In Northern Ireland, there's a culture that says the more I insult you the more I like you

Dr Paul Connolly

This "hidden" form of racism has long masked the deep-seated prejudices people harbour towards non-whites.

"In Northern Ireland, there's a culture that says the more I insult you the more I like you," said Dr Paul Connolly, who has helped compile a report for the University of Ulster.

"This form of 'slagging', as it is often known, works on the basis that it is meant to reflect the strength of relationship between those engaged in it and thus not meant to be perceived negatively."

But in reality, it is often difficult to know what the real motives are behind such banter.

Just an excuse

"This is certainly the case in relation to race where our own research has shown that it is often simply an excuse for more deep-seated prejudices."

Slagging is usually just harmless fun

Previous research has revealed harassment of minorities in Northern Ireland is a significant problem.

Forty-four per cent of minorities have experienced verbal abuse, almost a third have been the victims of criminal damage to property and one in 10 have been assaulted because of their racial identity.

Last year, researchers at the University of Ulster found racism to be twice as common as sectarianism.

For the study, researchers interviewed more than 100 people from the four biggest racial minorities in Northern Ireland: Chinese, Travellers, South Asians and Black Africans.

Their experiences included: