I would assume this was in Cassavetes script as it is so specific to Nick's character. Of course it's racist, but it's that deep rooted unintentional racism that so many people, especially men, had in the 70s (and still do today for that matter). Nick doesn't necessarily know he's making a racial slur, that's just a term he's heard used before (much like baffoon or what have you) and he likely associates it with black men, though he might not know why. So I agree, a brilliant humorous/uncomfortable/repellent moment.
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