blackfellow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicDated / Offensive
Quick answer
What does “blackfellow” mean?
A dated and now offensive term historically used in Australia to refer to an Aboriginal Australian man.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dated and now offensive term historically used in Australia to refer to an Aboriginal Australian man.
An archaic colonial-era term for an Indigenous Australian male; its use reflects historical racial attitudes and colonial power structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not a term in general use in either variety. It is specifically Australian in origin and historical context. A British or American speaker would likely only encounter it in historical texts about Australia.
Connotations
In both varieties, if encountered, it would be recognised as an archaic, colonial, and offensive racial slur.
Frequency
Effectively zero in both varieties outside specific historical or critical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “blackfellow” in a Sentence
The + blackfellowadj + blackfellowVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blackfellow” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The explorer wrote about 'blackfellow customs' in his 1890 journal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only used in historical, linguistic, or critical race studies to discuss colonial language and attitudes.
Everyday
Unacceptable and offensive. Should not be used.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blackfellow”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blackfellow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blackfellow”
- Using it as a neutral or descriptive term.
- Assuming it is acceptable because it appears in old books or films.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a deeply offensive racial slur and should not be used in contemporary speech or writing.
Use 'Aboriginal Australian man/person', 'Indigenous Australian', or the specific name of the person's nation or language group (e.g., 'a Gunditjmara man').
It is offensive because it reduces a person to their skin colour within a framework of colonial power, denies their individual and cultural identity, and carries the weight of historical discrimination and violence.
If absolutely necessary for academic or critical purposes, it may be quoted with clear contextualisation, warnings about its offensive nature, and often in scare quotes. It should not be repeated casually.
A dated and now offensive term historically used in Australia to refer to an Aboriginal Australian man.
Blackfellow is usually dated / offensive in register.
Blackfellow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblakˌfɛləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblækˌfɛloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**Avoid this term.** Remember: 'Black' + 'fellow' is not a fellowship; it was a colonial label of exclusion and racism.
Conceptual Metaphor
A person defined by skin colour and a faux-familiarity (fellow) masking a relationship of domination.
Practice
Quiz
In what context might the term 'blackfellow' appear in acceptable modern usage?