black etymology

Etymology

The word "black" is derived from the Old English word "blac," which is cognate with the Old Saxon word "blak" and the Old High German word "blach." These words all ultimately stem from the Proto-Germanic root *blakaz, which means "burnt" or "charred."

Meaning

The word "black" has several related meanings:

• A color that is the absence of visible light
• A shade of dark gray
• A person of African descent
• A derogatory term used to describe someone who is considered inferior

Origin

The concept of blackness has been recognized since ancient times. In early cultures, black was often associated with death, evil, and the underworld. However, in some cultures, black was also seen as a symbol of fertility and protection.

The association of black with African people is a relatively recent development. It is believed that the term "black" was first used to describe Africans in the 16th century by European explorers. This term was later adopted by the colonists and was used to justify the enslavement of Africans.

Usage

Today, the word "black" is used in a variety of contexts. It is often used to describe a person's race or ethnicity, but it can also be used to describe a color or a shade of gray. The word can also be used in a figurative sense to describe something that is evil or sinister.

The use of the word "black" has been controversial at times. Some people believe that it is a derogatory term that should not be used. Others believe that it is a neutral term that can be used to describe a person's race or ethnicity.

black relate terms

• black

  Etymology The word black is derived from the Old English word blac which is cognate

• moor

  Etymology The word moor originates from the Old English word mōr which meant heat

• blacking

  Etymology Old English blacian to blacken Proto Germanic blakj an Proto Indo Europ

• black

  Etymology The word black is derived from the Old English word blac which is cognate

• blackbird

  Etymology Old English blacbrird black bird Proto Germanic blaka wrana black cr

• blackleg

  Etymology Blackleg is a term with multiple etymological origins 1 Blackleg Diseas

• sable

  Etymology The word sable has a long and complex etymological history with roots in mul

• necromancy

  Etymology The term necromancy comes from the Greek words nekros νεκρός mean

• antimony

  Etymology The word antimony comes from the Middle French word antimoine which in tur

• melancholic

  Etymology The word melancholic comes from the Greek word μελαγχοληκός m

• bootleg

  Etymology The term bootleg originated in the United States in the early 20th century

• fateful

  Etymology The word fateful is derived from the Old English word fætle meaning fat

• colored

  Etymology The term colored is derived from the Latin word color meaning hue or pi