noun

blacky

BLA-kee

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Blacky (noun) means (dated, often offensive) A term historically used to refer to a Black person; now widely considered derogatory and avoided. Example: “Older texts from the era sometimes used "blacky" in ways that read as jarring and offensive today.”

noun

(dated, often offensive) A term historically used to refer to a Black person; now widely considered derogatory and avoided.

"Older texts from the era sometimes used "blacky" in ways that read as jarring and offensive today."

name

A nickname derived from the surname Black.

"Go ask Blacky if he wants to join us for beers after work tonight."

"His teammates all called him Blacky, after his last name."

How to use blacky

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word with a genuinely offensive historical use referring to race, which is why it is now avoided; separately, it survives as a harmless nickname for people surnamed Black.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: blackies

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Older texts from the era sometimes used "_____" in ways that read as jarring and offensive today.

Etymology

From black plus the diminutive suffix -y, originally used casually but now recognized as carrying a dated, offensive edge in its racial sense.

Rhymes for blacky

wacky Jacky tacky hacky

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Frequently asked questions

What does “blacky” mean?

The word “blacky” means (dated, often offensive) A term historically used to refer to a Black person; now widely considered derogatory and avoided. In plain terms, a word with a genuinely offensive historical use referring to race, which is why it is now avoided; separately, it survives as a harmless nickname for people surnamed Black.

How do you pronounce “blacky”?

“Blacky” is pronounced BLA-kee (/ˈblæki/ in IPA).

How do you use “blacky” in a sentence?

Here is “blacky” used in a sentence: “Older texts from the era sometimes used "blacky" in ways that read as jarring and offensive today.”

What part of speech is “blacky”?

Depending on how it is used, “blacky” can be a noun and a name.

How many meanings does “blacky” have?

“Blacky” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (dated, often offensive) A term historically used to refer to a Black person; now widely considered derogatory and avoided.