Negroid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Negroid" is considered outdated and offensive in contemporary written English.
It was historically used in anthropological contexts to describe a racial classification but is no longer appropriate due to its negative connotations and the evolution of language regarding race. Example: "The classification of human races has evolved, and terms like 'Negroid' are now seen as inappropriate."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I don't know whether there is something in my psyche or whether it's karma from a previous life or whether something happened to me as a very, very young person and I've drawn a veil over it – because that sometimes happens, doesn't it?" "But I really do have a problem with people with negroid features" She was forced out of Ukip after the party became aware of her comments.

Independent

Rozanne Duncan, who had been a prominent member of Ukip in the Thanet South seat where Nigel Farage is running for Parliament, was filmed on BBC documentary Meet the Ukippers saying that she dislikes "negroid features".

Independent

In a particularly nasty 1921 letter to Edmund Wilson, he wrote, "The negroid streak creeps northward to defile the Nordic race.

The New Yorker

The unspeakable "n" word is liberally bestowed upon anyone with a skin darker than English custard, though anthropological distinctions are not ignored: "I studied the escorts, and a formidable pair they were, tall, splendidly built, black as night but not negroid with their long heads and chins and straight noses".

The New Yorker

At Mr. Elmore's trial, the prosecutor, Mr. Jones, said he had authorized the arrest after being told that during the autopsy, the doctor had found a "Negroid" hair on the victim's abdomen.

The New York Times

"But I really do have a problem with people with negroid features".

The Guardian

The problem with this approach becomes apparent in his description of Heydrich himself, whose "negroid" lips and "hooked" nose – offered up as evidence against his reputed Aryan good looks – raise the unintended suggestion that if he'd only been a bit more perfectly Teutonic he might not have been so evil.

The Guardian - Books

Early photographs do show him looking somewhat negroid, with noticeably wiry hair.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He had bought some brutal, Negroid-looking canvases of Picasso's, which even Vollard, had refused.

The New Yorker

Speke's idea was that all culture and civilization in the region had been introduced by the taller, fairer people, whom he declared a Caucasoid tribe of Ethiopian origin, and therefore a race superior to the native Negroids.

The New Yorker

The people are Oceanic Negroids, speaking many languages, all belonging to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the term "Negroid" in contemporary writing. Opt for more specific and respectful terms like "African descent" or descriptions of specific ethnic groups.

Common error

Using "Negroid" perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reflects outdated scientific views. Focus on specific cultural or ancestral backgrounds for accurate and respectful communication.

Linguistic Context

The term "Negroid" functions primarily as an adjective or noun to describe individuals or populations based on perceived physical characteristics. However, due to its problematic history, the appropriateness of this term is questionable, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "Negroid", while grammatically functional as an adjective or noun, carries significant historical and social baggage. Ludwig AI shows that the term is generally considered outdated and potentially offensive. Current best practices advise against its use, favoring more specific and respectful terms like "African descent" or descriptions of specific ethnic groups. Although the term may appear in historical contexts, it's important to approach it with caution and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

African ancestry

Focuses on genetic heritage rather than physical characteristics, avoiding outdated racial classifications.

of African descent

Emphasizes lineage and origin, presenting a more respectful and accurate description.

Black African ethnicity

Identifies specific ethnic origins within the African continent, avoiding broad and potentially inaccurate generalizations.

people of African heritage

Highlights the cultural and ancestral connection to Africa, moving away from purely physical descriptors.

descendants of African peoples

Implies a clear hereditary connection to the African continent.

having African phenotypic traits

Describes observable physical characteristics associated with African populations without using outdated racial terms.

displaying features typical of sub-Saharan Africans

Specifies the geographic origin of the described traits, adding context and precision.

individuals with ancestral roots in Africa

Highlights the importance of lineage, but avoiding inaccurate biological categorizations.

with characteristics associated with populations from Africa

Provides a more general description of shared traits, acknowledging the diversity within the African continent.

those with Afro- phenotype

Refers to the combination of observable characteristics, but in a more neutral descriptive way

FAQs

Why is the term "Negroid" considered outdated?

The term "Negroid" is considered outdated because it is rooted in historical racial classifications that are now understood to be scientifically inaccurate and socially harmful. Modern usage favors more precise and respectful terms such as "African descent" or specific ethnic group names.

What are some alternatives to using the term "Negroid"?

You can use alternatives like "African ancestry", "of African descent", or "Black African ethnicity", depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use the term "Negroid"?

In contemporary contexts, it's generally inappropriate to use the term "Negroid". It may appear in historical texts or discussions about the history of racial classification, but even then, it should be approached with caution and awareness of its problematic connotations.

How does using "Negroid" compare to using "Black" or "African American"?

While "Black" and "African American" are generally acceptable terms, "Negroid" is an outdated and potentially offensive term. Using "Black" typically refers to race, while "African American" denotes American citizens of African descent. "Negroid" is a broad, scientifically discredited racial classification.