black book: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal to informal, most common in journalism, business, and historical/political contexts.
Quick answer
What does “black book” mean?
A book, usually a notebook or ledger, used for recording information about people or things considered to have behaved badly, often with negative consequences for those listed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book, usually a notebook or ledger, used for recording information about people or things considered to have behaved badly, often with negative consequences for those listed.
It has evolved into a metaphor for any confidential, official, or personal list of people deemed to be disreputable, untrustworthy, or subject to punishment. The phrase 'to be in someone's black book' means to have incurred someone's strong disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. The singular form 'black book' is more common in both, but 'little black book' (for romantic contacts) is also widespread. The plural 'black books' is slightly more common in UK political discourse.
Connotations
Both share the core punitive connotation. 'Little black book' has a more playful, romantic/dating connotation, equally recognized in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media when discussing historical or political figures 'being in the PM's black book'. US usage common in corporate/financial contexts (e.g., regulatory black books).
Grammar
How to Use “black book” in a Sentence
[Subject] keeps/consults a black book.[Subject] put [Object] in their black book.[Object] is in [Possessive] black book.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black book” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The union was accused of blackbooking members who crossed the picket line.
American English
- The regulator effectively black-booked the firm after the scandal.
adjective
British English
- He was a black-book merchant, infamous for his lists.
American English
- They faced black-book status within the industry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company's internal list of unreliable suppliers or problematic clients.
Academic
Used in historical/political studies to discuss proscription lists (e.g., Tudor monarchs).
Everyday
Used figuratively: 'I'm in the dog's black book because I forgot his treat.'
Technical
Rare. Potentially in cybersecurity for 'blackhole' or 'block' lists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black book”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black book”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black book”
- Using it to mean a book with a black cover (e.g., 'I bought a black book on gardening').
- Confusing 'black book' with 'blue book' (exam book/US used car guide).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its primary idiom. The exception is 'little black book', which can be neutral or playful regarding social/romantic contacts.
They are near-synonyms. 'Blacklist' is more common as a noun and verb. 'Black book' is more metaphorical and often implies a personal or secretive list held by an authority.
Yes, but it's rare and considered informal or jargon (e.g., 'He was black-booked by the association'). 'Blacklist' is the standard verb.
It has historical roots, notably in King Henry VIII's use of a literal black book to list English monasteries he intended to dissolve. This established the association with official proscription.
A book, usually a notebook or ledger, used for recording information about people or things considered to have behaved badly, often with negative consequences for those listed.
Black book is usually formal to informal, most common in journalism, business, and historical/political contexts. in register.
Black book: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈbʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈbʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be in someone's black book”
- “to have your name in the black book”
- “little black book (for contacts/dates)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stern headteacher with a literal black book, writing down the names of naughty pupils. The colour 'black' symbolizes badness/secrecy.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECORD OF WRONGDOING IS A BLACK BOOK / DISAPPROVAL IS BEING LISTED IN A BOOK.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'little black book' in a modern, informal context?