redbone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, regional
Quick answer
What does “redbone” mean?
A person of mixed African and Indigenous American ancestry, characterized by having light skin with reddish undertones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person of mixed African and Indigenous American ancestry, characterized by having light skin with reddish undertones.
In popular culture, it can refer to a light-skinned Black woman, or an attractive woman with light skin and reddish-brown hair tones. It is also the name of an American rock band and a breed of coonhound with a red coat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in the United States. It is not part of common British vocabulary. In the UK, if understood, it would likely be recognized only from American music or media.
Connotations
In the US: Context-dependent – can be neutral/descriptive, complimentary, or carry historical racial overtones. In the UK: Most likely unknown or recognized as an Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English; low but established in specific American cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “redbone” in a Sentence
[Subject: Person] + is + [redbone][Determiner] + redbone + [Noun: woman, man, dog]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redbone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The term is not used adjectivally in British English.
American English
- She was often described as a redbone woman.
- He owns a redbone coonhound for hunting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, possibly in sociological, anthropological, or historical studies of race and ethnicity in the U.S.
Everyday
Informal conversation, primarily within African American and Southern U.S. communities; use with caution due to racial sensitivity.
Technical
Can refer to the Redbone Coonhound breed in veterinary or dog-breeding contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redbone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redbone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redbone”
- Using it as a general compliment for any light-skinned person.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is always a positive or neutral term without understanding its historical and racial context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context, speaker, and intent. It is a racially descriptive term with historical baggage. It's best understood as informal and should be used with caution, especially by outsiders to the communities where it is traditionally used.
In contemporary informal American English, it most often refers to a light-skinned Black woman with reddish or warm undertones to her skin. Its second most common reference is to the dog breed.
Yes, historically it could refer to a person of mixed ancestry regardless of gender. In modern slang, it is more frequently applied to women, but context is key.
The 1970s rock band 'Redbone' consisted of Native American and Mexican American members, and the name references their Indigenous heritage. Childish Gambino's song 'Redbone' uses the term in its modern, soulful context to evoke a specific mood and imagery.
A person of mixed African and Indigenous American ancestry, characterized by having light skin with reddish undertones.
Redbone is usually informal, regional in register.
Redbone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.bəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd.boʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture the reddish undertone of a 'redbone' complexion or the red coat of a 'Redbone' coonhound dog.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOR FOR RACE/ETHNICITY: 'Red' maps onto skin tone as a descriptor of racial mixture.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'redbone' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?