# blackface

/blˈækfeɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blackface
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of a person with light skin wearing makeup to look like a person with dark skin. It is a very offensive and racist act that makes fun of Black people.

For teachers: the practice of applying makeup to one's face to appear to be a member of a racial group with dark skin, typically for comedic effect. Highly offensive and historically associated with systemic racism.

## Examples

- The performance was criticized for using blackface.
- Many modern theater productions have stopped using blackface to avoid hurting the feelings of the audience.
- The use of blackface in early twentieth-century cinema is now widely regarded as a deeply offensive representation of Black culture, reflecting the era's pervasive racial stereotypes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.