black and tans: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, Specialised (History/Irish Politics); Informal (drink).
Quick answer
What does “black and tans” mean?
A paramilitary force of the Royal Irish Constabulary, recruited mainly from Great Britain, which operated in Ireland from 1920 to 1921 during the Irish War of Independence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A paramilitary force of the Royal Irish Constabulary, recruited mainly from Great Britain, which operated in Ireland from 1920 to 1921 during the Irish War of Independence.
Due to the force's improvised uniform (mixtures of police dark green and army khaki), the term also refers to a type of drink made by layering stout (black) and pale ale (tan). The historical term is always plural and capitalized in reference to the force; the drink name is typically not capitalized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The historical term is known in both varieties but is much more common and charged in Irish and British English. In American English, awareness is lower and often limited to academic/historical contexts. The drink is known in pubs in both regions.
Connotations
In Ireland/UK: Strongly negative, associated with brutality and colonialism. In US: Generally neutral or unknown historical reference.
Frequency
Rare in general usage except in specific historical discussion or, infrequently, when ordering the drink.
Grammar
How to Use “black and tans” in a Sentence
[The] Black and Tans + [past tense verb] (e.g., were recruited, burned, raided).[Subject] + order/pour + a black and tan.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black and tans” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The village was black and tanned during the conflict. (archaic/rare, meaning attacked by the Black and Tans)
adjective
British English
- The Black-and-Tan period was marked by violence.
American English
- He ordered a black-and-tan beer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical texts on 20th-century Irish/British history.
Everyday
Rare, except in Ireland as a historical reference or in pubs for the drink.
Technical
Specific to modern Irish history and, separately, to bartending/brewing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black and tans”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black and tans”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black and tans”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a Black and Tan').
- Using it in a positive or neutral context in Ireland.
- Confusing the historical force with the drink in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the historical force, it is treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'The Black and Tans were...'). The drink is singular ('a black and tan').
It refers to a paramilitary force employed by the British government which was accused of widespread brutality, reprisals, and extrajudicial killings against Irish civilians and independence fighters.
It is advisable not to, as the name carries strong negative historical connotations. It is better to ask for a 'half-and-half' or describe the drink by its components (e.g., stout and pale ale).
They were two separate but related forces. The Black and Tans were rank-and-file constables for the Royal Irish Constabulary. The Auxiliaries (Auxiliary Division) were a more elite, officer-class force. Both were recruited from Britain and both became infamous.
A paramilitary force of the Royal Irish Constabulary, recruited mainly from Great Britain, which operated in Ireland from 1920 to 1921 during the Irish War of Independence.
Black and tans is usually historical, specialised (history/irish politics); informal (drink). in register.
Black and tans: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ən ˈtænz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ən ˈtænz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; the term itself is a historical reference and a drink name.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a black dog (stout) and a tan dog (ale) sitting together – that's the drink. For the force, think of their mismatched black police and tan army uniforms.
Conceptual Metaphor
METONYMY: The clothing (black and tan uniform) stands for the group of men. The drink is a VISUAL METAPHOR for the layered colours.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'black and tan' in a non-historical context?