complected

[kuhm-plek-tid]

adjective

1. complexioned (usually used in combination).

   a light-complected boy.

complected

/ kəmˈplɛktɪd /

adjective

1. (in combination) a US dialect word for complexioned

Usage

Complected, a back formation from complexion, is an Americanism dating from the early 19th century. Although it has been criticized by some as a dialectal or nonstandard substitution for complexioned, it occurs in the speech of educated persons and occasionally in edited writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of complected¹

1800–10, complect- (back formation from complexion, presumably taken as *complection ) + -ed ³

Example Sentences

The woman in the sepia toned photo from the 1890s appears dark complected.

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“I don’t know many Black folks or other people of color, particularly those that are darker complected, that have any faith in the court system.”

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“Dad was dark complected and, because he grew up in San Antonio and went to Alamo Heights High School, he spoke Spanish fluently,” said his son.

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Police describe the man as wearing a black baseball hat pulled down to his eyebrows, a black shirt and as having a “light complected” skin tone.

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A white girl named Elma Jesup claims she has given birth to twins, one with light skin like her own and the other “just complected dark,” as she explains to Freddie Wilson, the alleged father.

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