black eye: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “black eye” mean?
A bruise or discoloration around the eye resulting from a blow to the face or head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bruise or discoloration around the eye resulting from a blow to the face or head.
Metaphorically, a mark of shame, damage to one's reputation, or a significant setback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Shiner' is a more informal, synonymous term slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal meaning carries connotations of a fight or accident; the figurative meaning implies public embarrassment or failure.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “black eye” in a Sentence
[Subject] gave/got/has/sustained a black eye.The scandal gave the company a black eye.It was a black eye for their reputation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black eye” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scandal really black-eyed the firm's standing in the community.
American English
- The controversial policy black-eyed the administration's legacy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The failed product launch gave the marketing department a real black eye.
Academic
The data falsification scandal was a black eye for the entire research institution.
Everyday
He came home from football practice with a huge black eye.
Technical
The patient presented with a unilateral periorbital ecchymosis, commonly called a black eye.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black eye”
- Using 'black eye' to describe a naturally dark-colored iris (e.g., 'She has beautiful black eyes').
- Confusing it with 'blackhead' (a skin blemish).
- Incorrect plural: 'black eyes' (for one injury) is rare; it's usually 'a black eye' even if both eyes are bruised.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word noun phrase. It can be hyphenated ('black-eye') when used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'a black-eye patch'), but this is less common.
Informally and figuratively, yes (e.g., 'The incident black-eyed his career'), but this is not a standard or frequent usage. The noun form is overwhelmingly dominant.
They are synonyms. 'Black eye' is the standard term. 'Shiner' is more informal and slightly slangy, perhaps more common in American English.
Initial treatment typically involves applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, followed by warm compresses after 48 hours to aid healing. It's a common idiom, but for medical advice, always consult a professional.
A bruise or discoloration around the eye resulting from a blow to the face or head.
Black eye is usually informal in register.
Black eye: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give something a black eye (figurative)”
- “Walk away with nothing but a black eye (minor damage from a bad situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a boxer after a fight – a BLACK ring around the EYE.
Conceptual Metaphor
DAMAGE IS A PHYSICAL INJURY / DISGRACE IS A VISIBLE MARK.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'black eye' used figuratively?