black and tan

American  

noun

1. a black dog with tan markings above the eyes and on the muzzle, chest, legs, feet, and breech.

2. a drink made of equal parts of ale and stout or porter.

3. U.S. History. a member of a former faction of the Republican Party in the South supporting the inclusion of African Americans in political life in the last decades of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century.

4. (initial capital letters)

   1. Usually Black and Tans. an armed force of about 6000 soldiers sent by the British government to Ireland in June, 1920, to suppress revolutionary activity: so called from the colors of their uniform.

   2. a member of this force.

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adjective

1. Older Use: Offensive. denoting or relating to a biracial person, usually having one biological parent who is Black and one who is white.

2. Informal. (in historical use) composed of or frequented by both Black and white people, as a place allowing racial intermingling and promoting integration: a black-and-tan saloon.

   a so-called “black and tan” musical revue of the 1920s;

   a black-and-tan saloon.

black and tan British  

noun

1. a mixture of stout or porter and ale

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Etymology

Origin of black and tan

First recorded in 1840–50 black and tan ( for def. 1 )

Example Sentences

They glittered in gold platform heels, black and tan powersuits, and fur-lined wool dresses for the winter chill lingering in Washington.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

They have black faces, glittering amber eyes, camo-printed coats of white, black and tan, white-tipped tails and large oval ears that are as tall as their snouts are long.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2022

This "charming" breed’s fur can range from red, red and brown, red sable, brown and tan, black and tan and blue and tan.

From Fox News • Jan. 4, 2022

The slides are in colors such as black and tan and have stones that include black onyx and rose quartz.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2019

The horse sped away in a blur of black and tan, faster than forked lightning—almost too quick for her eyes to register.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan