blackface

noun

black·​face ˈblak-ˌfās 

often attributive

1

: dark makeup worn to mimic the appearance of a Black person and especially to mock or ridicule Black people

Note: The wearing of blackface by white performers was, from the early 19th through the mid-20th centuries, a prominent feature of minstrel shows (see minstrel sense 3a) and similar forms of entertainment featuring exaggerated and inaccurate caricatures of Black people. The use of blackface is considered deeply offensive.

2

plural blackfaces : a performer wearing blackface : minstrel sense 3a

Examples of blackface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Billy Crystal as Sammy Davis Jr. in blackface in 2012? —Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024

Just a week ago, there were allegations about Heinz Ketchup's campaign's likeness of minstrel blackface, for which the brand issued an apology. —Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

New York Congressman Mike Lawler wore blackface while dressing as Michael Jackson for Halloween in 2006, according to photos obtained by The New York Times. —Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024

Several politicians and celebrities have been criticized for wearing blackface. —Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing blackface

• digital blackface