darkies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkies" is not correct and is considered offensive in written English.
It is a derogatory term historically used to refer to Black people and should not be used in any context. Example: "The use of the term darkies in literature is unacceptable and should be avoided."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

One ANC minister said that such criticism implied that "these darkies are incapable" of governing.

The Economist

In plain racist, "Darkies, keep out!"Mr Le Pen is not as important as he thinks.

The Economist

If her description of the women there as "darkies" rings unhappily in modern ears - she was born in 1877, after all - there is no questioning the empathy she felt for them.

Independent

It is picking time now, and the "darkies" (an expression that jars me, reminding me distantly of the patriarchal "Zhidok" [Yid] of western Russian landowners) pick in the fields, getting a dollar for a hundred "bushels" — I am reporting these interesting facts because they stuck mechanically in my ears.

The New Yorker

You see, he's always been very sorry for you darkies".

The New Yorker

What he doesn't say is what's going to happen when the darkies come down from the trees," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

When Tibbett gave it on radio received many angry letters from negroes objecting to word nigger, says darky now.

The New Yorker

In the world that Phillips constructs, hardly anyone sees through the darky makeup; Williams in these films is admired for his fine portrayal of "a charming big child of arrested development" and for his "watermelon grin".

The New Yorker

A darky dank.

The New Yorker

He used the words "nigger" and "darky" in conversation, and he thought that blacks, whom he regarded as physically different from whites, should be deported to Liberia, Central America or somewhere else, since they couldn't live on equal terms with whites in America.

The New York Times

And while Kennedy described Richards as "this sister of ours, whose history … brought tears to all of our eyes," Beecher referred to another African American in St .Mary's as an "old darky".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the term "darkies" entirely. It is a derogatory and offensive term with a history of racism. Opt for neutral and respectful alternatives like "Black people" or "African Americans".

Common error

Do not use "darkies" in historical contexts without explicitly acknowledging its offensive nature and the harm it caused. It is crucial to frame its usage within a discussion about racism and discrimination to avoid perpetuating harm.

Linguistic Context

The term "darkies" functions as a derogatory noun, historically used as a racial slur to demean people of African descent. Ludwig AI highlights its offensive nature, emphasizing the importance of avoiding its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "darkies" is identified as a derogatory and offensive term with a history rooted in racial prejudice. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its incorrect grammatical status due to its offensive nature, regardless of its relatively high frequency in documented sources, primarily within the News & Media category. It's crucial to avoid using this term in contemporary communication, opting instead for respectful and neutral alternatives like "Black people" or "African Americans". The term's function was historically to demean, and its presence in modern text should be limited to discussions about its historical use and offensive nature, always accompanied by explicit condemnation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Black people

A straightforward and widely accepted term.

African Americans

Specifically refers to Black people of American descent.

People of color

A broader term encompassing all non-white individuals.

Individuals of African descent

A more formal and precise way to describe people with African ancestry.

Members of the Black community

Emphasizes the community aspect.

Persons of African heritage

Focuses on ancestral roots.

Black citizens

Highlights citizenship status.

Members of the African diaspora

Refers to people of African origin living outside of Africa.

The Black population

A demographic term.

People with African ancestry

Highlights genetic lineage.

FAQs

What is the origin of the word "darkies"?

The term "darkies" is a derogatory term historically used to refer to Black people, originating from a time of widespread racial discrimination and prejudice. Its use is now considered offensive.

Why is "darkies" considered offensive?

Using the term "darkies" is offensive due to its historical association with slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. It carries a heavy weight of dehumanization and disrespect.

What can I say instead of "darkies"?

You can use alternatives like "Black people", "African Americans", or "people of color" depending on the context.

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

The only appropriate context for using the term "darkies" is when discussing its history as a racial slur or when quoting historical texts that contain the term. In such cases, it's crucial to explicitly condemn the term and its usage.