“I recently heard that the term “cracker” came from the crack of a slave master’s whip. Not sure if true or not.”
Whippersnapper came from the young carriage drivers who stood around waiting for the owners. They’d idly snap their whips. That may be the term you’re thinking of. I believe cracker came from the shape of the poorer people’s houses; resembling cracker boxes.
The term "cracker," came from the state of FL when FL produced the second most cattle in the country. The term is closely associated with "redneck," because the cattlemen cracked their whips to herd the cattle, and had rednecks from staying out in the FL sun.
Almost every black person who is a native Floridian knows what they mean, and that the terms are derogatory.
That dog don't hunt.
5.56mm
I have aleays heard that it’s from the practice of “cracking corn”. which was a staple food for the poor and uneducated in the south.