Aunt Jemima

American  

[ant juh-mahy-muh, ahnt] / ˈænt dʒəˈmaɪ mə, ˈɑnt /

noun

1. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a Black woman considered by other Black people to be subservient to or to curry favor with white people.

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Sensitive Note

The trademarked name and image of Aunt Jemima, as formerly used by the Quaker Oats Company on some of its products, was also the name of a stereotypical African American character in minstrel shows of the late 19th century. The product packaging, originally featuring a fat, smiling Black woman with a kerchief in her hair, was updated over the years to eliminate features associated with disrespectful racial stereotypes. Then, in 2021, the company replaced both the image and product name in a clean break from its controversial brand origin.

Etymology

Origin of Aunt Jemima

First recorded in 1885–90; after the trademarked name of a brand of pancake mixes and associated products, featuring a picture of a Black female cook on the packaging

Example Sentences

Betye Saar turned domestic items and racial kitsch — a figurine depicting Aunt Jemima, for example — into art that recalled and revised the history of enslavement.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2023

He cited recent name changes for troubled, racially tinged brands such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2021

A large part of that preference can be attributed to price; you can purchase a gallon of Aunt Jemima for $16.80 on Amazon, whereas a gallon of Grade-A maple syrup starts at $59.99.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2021

“It is the start of a new day,” reads the announcement on the website where the Aunt Jemima brand recounts its 131-year history.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2021

While Papi sings his cha-cha-cha song in the shower, Mami asks me to translate the pancake recipe that’s printed on the Aunt Jemima box.

From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar