negroes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negroes" is considered outdated and offensive in contemporary written English.
It is typically used in historical contexts or discussions about race but is generally not appropriate in modern usage. Example: "In the 1960s, many negroes fought for civil rights and equality."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now, there's some other bills that I have here that I want to get through in my Great Society program, and I think in the long run they'll help Negroes more, as much as a voting rights bill".

The Guardian - Film

In his maiden speech in the House of Lords, he asserted that "the negroes were not treated in the manner which had so agitated the public mind" – ie beaten and tortured – and that Caribbean slaves instead lived "in a state of humble happiness".

The Guardian - Film

The speech captures the irony of the contradiction between what the real historical treatment of Negroes after slavery and emancipation has been, in reality, in contrast to the principles and precepts enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and bill of rights to our constitution and embodied in the Civil War Freedmans Bureau established in 1865.

The Guardian - Opinion

To a man of his turn of mind, the Negroes would do themselves more good by using their energies and their resources working on their politicians to get beneficial legislation".

The Guardian - Film

Both Negroes and their white sympathisers in Selma, Alabama, have suffered bitterly this week, yet it is hard to say whether their martyrdom has been worth it.

The Economist

Perhaps by then President Johnson will have sent his long-promised message to Congress proposing new laws to guarantee Negroes their right to vote.

The Economist

Once Negroes in the South are allowed to register to vote easily, the whole fraternity of white supremacists will crumble overweight sheriffs, smiling governors, prejudiced juries and all.

The Economist

"Negroes?" one inquires.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1942, with black GIs preparing to go to war, 84% of white Americans told pollsters that "there should be separate sections in towns for Negroes".

The Economist

From North Carolina it felt like the North was asserting unwarranted dominion over the South; was set on destroying a civilisation of hooped skirts and plantations worked by negroes that it neither cared for nor understood.

The Economist

"Negroes and whites from the same localities in this country talk, think and act about the same," he insisted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the term "negroes" in contemporary writing due to its outdated and offensive nature. Opt for more respectful and accurate alternatives like "African Americans" or "Black people".

Common error

Avoid using the term "negroes" as it's considered offensive and insensitive. This reflects poorly on your understanding of contemporary language and cultural sensitivity. Choosing appropriate and respectful language is essential in effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The word "negroes" functions as a plural noun, typically referring to people of African descent. However, its use is now largely confined to historical contexts due to its offensive connotations in modern English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is outdated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically valid as a plural noun, the term "negroes" is widely considered outdated and offensive. Modern alternatives such as ""black people"" or ""African Americans"" are preferred in contemporary writing and speech. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use should be limited to historical contexts. When communicating in professional settings, consider the historical implications and opt for respectful alternatives, and prioritize clarity and respect by choosing language that accurately reflects the diversity of the population. Be mindful of the potential harm caused by using outdated and offensive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

black people

Replaces a dated term with a more neutral and widely accepted phrase.

blacks

Shorter version, commonly used but can sometimes be perceived as less respectful depending on context.

black individuals

A more formal and respectful way to refer to black persons.

african americans

Specifically refers to black citizens of the United States, offering a more precise identity.

individuals of african descent

A more formal and precise way to denote ancestry.

people of color

A broader term including all non-white individuals, encompassing a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.

persons of african heritage

Emphasizes the historical and cultural background.

the black population

Refers to the demographic group of black people.

members of the black community

Highlights the communal aspect and shared experiences.

the african diaspora

Refers to the global community of people descended from Africans, emphasizing the dispersal and shared history.

FAQs

Why is the term "negroes" considered offensive?

The term "negroes" has historical associations with slavery and racial discrimination, making it offensive in modern usage. It's best to use more respectful and accurate terms like "black people" or "African Americans".

What are some alternatives to using "negroes"?

Depending on the context, you can use "black people", "African Americans", "people of color", or "individuals of African descent" as alternatives.

Is it ever appropriate to use the word "negroes"?

The term "negroes" is generally only appropriate when discussing historical contexts or quoting historical texts where the term was originally used. In contemporary writing and speech, it's best to avoid the term.

What's the difference between "negroes" and "african americans"?

"Negroes" is an outdated term with a history of discriminatory usage. "African Americans" refers specifically to black citizens of the United States and is the preferred term in contemporary American English.