negro

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'negro' is considered outdated and derogatory in modern English and should not be used.
It has a history of being used to oppress and dehumanize Black people. Instead, terms such as 'Black' or 'African American' should be used. Incorrect usage: "The negro population in our town continues to grow." Correct usage: "The African American community in our town continues to grow."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A propos of nothing in particular, Roger says: "BBDO have just hired their first negro.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What do you think of that?" Don thinks for a moment and then says: "I think I wouldn't want to be that negro".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Section 102 said "the legislature shall never pass any law to authorise or legalise any marriage between any white person and a negro".

The Economist

So for the next count, in 2020, the Census Bureau is considering collapsing the two ethnicity and race questions into a single "race or origin" inquiry (it may also drop the anachronistic term "Negro").

The Economist

I believe that it is both just and wise for negro children to attend the same schools as whites, and that to deny them this opportunity carries with it strong implications of inferiority.

The Economist

On the future of the negro he takes a strongly constitutional and Republican line, intimating (very properly) that the quasi-educational test, which has so effectually restricted negro suffrage, ought to be enforced not only against illiterate negroes, but against illiterate whites.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

In his 1926 essay, "The Negro-Art Hokum", George Schuyler made the case that black artists were indistinguishable from their white colleagues.

The Economist

The son of a judge, "he did not indulge in the usual type of Negro-baiting", wrote V.O.

The Economist

Nixon could also "make immense political mileage" by opposing the forced integration of schools "and still be on the side of the angels", Mr Buchanan told his boss in another memo, adding a postscript about the reactions to urban race riots of ordinary, apolitical voters, who after a few drinks showed a "violent anti-Negro, let's buy guns attitude".

The Economist

Their line, this theory suggests, started in South-East Asia and spread around the Pacific Rim.But Hoyo-Negro woman's genes tell a different story.

The Economist

One of the bank's directors, William Gray, president of the United Negro College Fund and the first black American to chair the House of Representatives' budget committee, has the most S&P 500 company directorships of anybody (eight).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the word "negro" in contemporary writing or speech, as it's widely considered offensive and outdated. Opt for more respectful and accurate terms like "Black" or "African American".

Common error

Do not use "negro" when referring to people of African descent in contemporary contexts. This term carries a history of discrimination and oppression. Using it can perpetuate harm and disrespect.

Linguistic Context

The word "negro" functions as a noun or adjective, historically used to refer to people of African descent. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's now considered outdated and derogatory. Modern usage strongly discourages its use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "negro" is an outdated and offensive term for people of African descent. Ludwig AI clearly advises against using it, emphasizing that it's now considered derogatory. While it may appear in historical documents, using more respectful and accurate terms like "Black" or "African American" is essential in modern communication. The term's primary function now is often to evoke historical contexts, but it carries a high risk of causing offense. Avoid using "negro" in contemporary writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

black person

A straightforward and widely accepted term to describe a person of African descent.

black individual

An alternative construction using "individual" instead of "person".

african american

Specifically refers to black people of American descent, acknowledging their heritage.

person of african descent

A more formal and internationally applicable term, focusing on ancestry.

person of color

A broader term encompassing individuals who are not white, often used in discussions of diversity and inclusion.

black citizen

Specifies citizenship while acknowledging racial identity.

black resident

Identifies someone living in a particular area who identifies as black

member of the black community

Emphasizes the social and communal aspect of identity.

individual with dark skin

Focuses on the physical characteristic of skin color, but can be less respectful if used insensitively.

person from the african diaspora

Highlights the historical dispersal of African peoples around the world.

FAQs

What's wrong with using the word "negro"?

The term "negro" is outdated and considered offensive due to its historical association with slavery and racial discrimination. Using more respectful and accurate terms like "black person" or "African American" is recommended.

Which is correct, "negro" or "black"?

"Black" is the preferred and more respectful term in contemporary English. "Negro" is considered outdated and offensive due to its historical context.

What can I say instead of "negro"?

You can use alternatives like "black person", "African American", or "person of color", depending on the context.

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

The term "negro" might be encountered in historical documents or quoted speech, but its use should be approached with extreme caution and awareness of its potential to offend. In most modern contexts, it's best to avoid this term altogether.