colorism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic, Sociopolitical
Quick answer
What does “colorism” mean?
Prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.
The societal system that advantages lighter-skinned people over darker-skinned people, often manifesting in media representation, employment, and social status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British English spelling is 'colourism'. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and social discourse, but common in UK contexts discussing post-colonial societies and diaspora communities.
Grammar
How to Use “colorism” in a Sentence
[Subject] addresses/combats/perpetuates colorismColorism within [group]The colorism faced by [group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colorism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The film was criticised for colourising the characters' experiences.
adjective
British English
- The report highlighted colourist attitudes in the industry.
American English
- She spoke about colorist beauty standards in her community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) reports and training regarding bias in hiring and promotion.
Academic
A key term in critical race theory, sociology, anthropology, and post-colonial studies.
Everyday
Used in conversations about representation in media, beauty standards, and community dynamics.
Technical
Used precisely in sociological and psychological research on implicit bias and social stratification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colorism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colorism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colorism”
- Confusing it with general racism.
- Using it to describe prejudice between different races rather than within a race.
- Misspelling as 'colourism' in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Racism is prejudice between races, while colorism is prejudice based on skin tone, often within the same racial group.
While it primarily disadvantages darker-skinned people, in some contexts, lighter-skinned individuals may face resentment or be accused of privilege, but the systemic advantage generally lies with lighter skin.
It is widely discussed in communities with a history of colonisation or slavery, such as in African, South Asian, Latin American, and African diasporic contexts.
The British spelling is 'colourism'.
Prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.
Colorism is usually formal, academic, sociopolitical in register.
Colorism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'COLOR' + 'ISM' – a specific 'ism' focused on discrimination based on skin COLOUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLORISM IS A HIERARCHY (lighter skin is 'up', darker skin is 'down'). COLORISM IS A FILTER (determining access to opportunity and representation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core distinction of 'colorism' compared to 'racism'?