To darken one's face or skin with makeup or paint, historically associated with racist minstrel performance; considered deeply offensive.
To paint your face dark to look like a person of a different race — this is considered very offensive and racist.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
To apply dark makeup to one's face or skin to imitate a person of a different race, a practice historically associated with racist minstrel shows and now universally condemned.
"The actor faced massive public backlash after old photos emerged of him blacking up for a university performance."
To make oneself appear black by applying makeup.
To paint your face dark to look like a person of a different race — this is considered very offensive and racist.
This term is strongly associated with 'blackface,' a racist theatrical tradition with deep roots in colonial and post-slavery entertainment. Using this practice or discussing it requires great sensitivity. The phrase itself is now almost exclusively discussed in historical, critical, or condemnatory contexts. Learners should understand this expression only to recognise its offensive nature.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "black up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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