haint blue

American  

[heynt bloo] / ˈheɪnt ˈblu /

noun

1. any of several light shades of blue, and traditionally a color of choice for porch ceilings in the southeastern United States.

   I’m looking for a haint blue with the slightest bit of lavender in it.

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Etymology

Origin of haint blue

First recorded in 2000–05; regional pronunciation of the noun haunt “ghost”; such a color supposedly prevents ghosts from entering the structure

Example Sentences

While an internet search today shows many hues that could be used as “haint blue,” there’s little easily accessible information tracking the color’s history.

From Washington Times

The earliest mention she’s found in a newspaper describing blue porch ceilings as “haint blue” dates to just 1985.

From Washington Times

“The 20th-century sort of romanticization of Charleston traditions, I think, created the perfect environment for haint blue to really become larger than life,” Northrup said.

From Washington Times

But by far the most common explanation is that it’s “haint blue,” a custom derived from Gullah culture, which was used to keep malevolent spirits away.

From Washington Times

Northrop added that if slaves and Gullah descendants really used indigo for early shades of haint blue, as is often said, the colors would have faded quickly.

From Washington Times