mulatto
/məˈlɑtoʊ/
noun
- A person with one Black parent and one white parent. This term is now considered offensive and outdated; preferred terms include 'biracial' or 'mixed-race'.
- In the 19th century, the term 'mulatto' was commonly used to describe children of enslaved women and white slave owners.
- Many people find the word 'mulatto' hurtful because of its historical connection to slavery.
- The old census form listed 'mulatto' as a racial category, but it is no longer used.
adjective
- Describing a person who has one Black parent and one white parent. This usage is now considered offensive.
- Some old documents refer to 'mulatto' children, but today we would say 'biracial'.
- The author used the term 'mulatto' in her historical novel to reflect the language of the time.
- He was described as 'mulatto' in the ship's log, a label that would be unacceptable now.