darky

or dark·ie

[ dahr-kee ]

noun,plural dark·ies.Older Use: Now Offensive.
  1. a term used to refer to a Black person.

Origin of darky

1
First recorded in 1765–75; dark + -y2

usage note For darky

The earliest uses of darky in English were sentimental, probably affectionate in intent, although it is likely that even then, those who were addressed or referred to by the term found it patronizing. For example, the lyrics of Stephen Foster's song My Old Kentucky Home (1853) refer with nostalgia to happy “darkies.” But by the early part of the 20th century, the term had become increasingly offensive and unacceptable. Current versions of the Foster lyrics refer instead to “people.”

Words Nearby darky

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How to use darky in a sentence

  • darky had written an ode to the man who founded this class of lodging-house, and had received personal thanks.

    Beggars | W. H. (William Henry) Davies
  • I took the little roll from my pocket while up in the hay-loft, where I had gone to give darky his last feed.

    Down The River | Oliver Optic
  • In our literature and on the stage, the very idea of a darky and a graveyard is mirth-provoking.

  • Roake and Humfrey with little "darky," who was their invariable companion, were always welcome.

    At Ypres with Best-Dunkley | Thomas Hope Floyd
  • darky have to take what the white folks leave fo em and be glad he's livin.

    Slave Narratives: Arkansas Narratives | Work Projects Administration

British Dictionary definitions for darky

darky

darkie or darkey

/ (ˈdɑːkɪ) /


nounplural darkies or darkeys informal
  1. an offensive word for a Black person

  2. Australian an offensive word for a native Australian

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012