high yellow

noun

, Slang: Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a light-skinned Black person.

Sensitive Note

This term implies that the person has a high proportion of white ancestry and looks more like a white person than a Black person. The term was most commonly used in the American South in the late 19th century and early 20th century, though it is still sometimes used today by both white people and Black people. yellow.

Other Words From

• high-yellow adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of high yellow¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Long, thin, gray locks fell back from a high yellow forehead: there was blood on his mouth and about his beard.

From Project Gutenberg

We go to the further end of the hospital, to a high yellow door, upon which is written in great black letters: Amphitheatre.

From Project Gutenberg

Without awaiting her reply, the attendant led the way to a high yellow door, over which was written: Amphitheatre.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I saw what looked like a high yellow wall advancing upon me—a roaring and fearsome mass of driven dust, sticks, debris.

From Project Gutenberg

The white over green Travelaire never slowed, fighting its way out of the blue into the ultra-high yellow and lighter traffic.

From Project Gutenberg