dark meat

American  

noun

1. meat that is dark in appearance after cooking, especially a leg or thigh of chicken or turkey (distinguished from white meat).

2. Slang: Vulgar. a Black person, considered as a sexual partner.

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Etymology

Origin of dark meat

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Compare meaning

How does dark-meat compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dark meat vs. light meat

Example Sentences

China is an important export market for U.S. beef and poultry, particularly for products such as chicken feet and dark meat that are less popular with U.S. consumers.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Thanks to a four-piece combo involving immigration from regions that embrace dark meat, along with evolving culinary culture, economic forces and technological advances, chicken thighs are ubiquitous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

They look like a cross between an otter and a gopher but they taste something like a rabbit or dark meat from turkey.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

If dark meat is your preference, turkey thighs and drumsticks are an option.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2024

“No wait, dark meat, please,” I said, nervous.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds