blackball

American  

[blak-bawl] / ˈblækˌbɔl /

verb (used with object)

1. to vote against (a candidate, applicant, etc.).

2. to exclude socially; ostracize.

   The whole town blackballed them.

   Synonyms:

   cut, snub, debar, ban, boycott

3. to reject (a candidate) by placing a blackball in the ballot box.

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noun

1. a negative vote, especially in deciding on an applicant or candidate.

2. a black ball placed in a ballot box signifying a negative vote.

blackball British  

/ ˈblækˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a negative vote or veto

2. a black wooden ball used to indicate disapproval or to veto in a vote

3. a hard boiled sweet with black-and-white stripes

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verb

1. to vote against in a ballot

2. to exclude (someone) from a group, profession, etc; ostracize

blackball Cultural  

1. A rejection of an applicant's membership in a private organization, such as a club or fraternity. The term is derived from the traditional practice of members voting anonymously on admitting new members, using either a white marble (acceptance) or a black marble (denial). Acceptance must be unanimous; therefore, one black marble in the ballot box is enough to keep the applicant out of the organization.

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Usage

What does blackball mean? Blackball most commonly means to blacklist someone or otherwise ban, reject, or unfairly prevent them from joining an organization or participating in something. The act of doing so can also be called a blackball.The word typically implies that the action being taken is both secretive and especially unfair or vengeful. It is often used in the context of someone being secretly blacklisted from a particular company, organization, or an entire industry.Originally, the word blackball referred to a literal black ball placed in a ballot box to indicate a negative vote—a vote against a person. It can still be used to mean a negative vote or to vote against someone.Example: Reports suggest that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is being actively blackballed by the league for protesting police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.

Discover More

The term is now applied generally to efforts — especially unreasonable or vengeful actions — to keep a people or groups out of organizations they wish to join.

Other Word Forms

• blackballer noun

Etymology

Origin of blackball

First recorded in 1760–70; black + ball ¹

Example Sentences

And the reason for that compulsive work ethic was her unofficial blackballing by “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson, for the crime of accepting Fox's offer to host her own talk show.

From Salon

Then again, maybe that’s a popcorn kernel for critics and other nerds, like another episode’s throwaway line from a former journalist who says she got blackballed for sucker-punching Rex Reed.

From Salon

“If I fight Rocky … I’m already not liked … so if I’m fighting him I’m definitely getting blackballed. All the labels like him and work with him,” Ephron said.

From Los Angeles Times

She also said he had subsequently "blackballed" her in the modelling world.

From BBC

Siwa's experience with Nickelodeon led the star to big heights, even though she alleged that they blackballed her.

From Salon

Related Words

• blacklist
• ostracize