The phrase “pitch black” is commonly used to describe a space that is completely dark or devoid of light. While some consider this phrase to have racist origins or implications, the etymology and history of the term pitch black have no direct connection to race. The phrase emerged in the 16th century simply to convey the idea of intense, impenetrable darkness. However, some argue that the continued use of the term in modern times is insensitive and that alternative word choices should be used instead. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue.
Etymology of “Pitch Black”
The term “pitch” in pitch black refers to tar or bitumen, which is a very dark, viscous substance. The Oxford English Dictionary cites the first recorded use of “pitch black” in 1592 in a text describing “pitch darke night.” This metaphorical use of pitch evolved from an earlier (circa 1500) meaning of pitch as the black substance left as a residue from distilling processes. The pitch was coal tar, which is very black in color. Describing darkness as “pitch black” was simply using a vivid, descriptive phrase to convey the idea of intense blackness, with no racial connotations intended.
Over time, the “pitch black” metaphor became a standard term to describe complete darkness. The “pitch” portion specifically gives the sense of the blackness as thick, sticky, and impenetrable, like tar. The Oxford English Dictionary provides this definition: “Of the blackest or darkest degree; completely dark, unilluminated.” So calling a space “pitch black” is meant to convey a darkness so intense that vision is impossible.
Counter Arguments: Racist Origins?
Despite the innocuous etymology described above, some argue that “pitch black” has racist origins or implications. The theories behind this view tend to fall into two categories:
1. Connecting “pitch” to the meaning “black skin.” In modern slang, “pitch” can be used as an adjective meaning “black.” So some allege that “pitch black” contains a literal reference to black skin. However, linguistic evidence does not support the idea that this slang meaning existed when “pitch black” first emerged. The slang usage appears to only date back to the mid-20th century.
2. Connecting “pitch” to tar and feathers used in racist mob violence. Some point out that tar was sometimes used by racist mobs to cover victims prior to feathering them. However, again, there is no direct evidence linking the metaphor “pitch black” to this practice. While both involve tar, tarring and feathering typically did not result in turning a victim “pitch black.” The aim was coating with tar, not achieving full black coverage.
So in summary, theories about racist origins of “pitch black” rely on very indirect and speculative connections. They contradict the well documented etymology showing an innocuous initial meaning.
Modern Sensitivities
Regardless of origins, some argue that using “pitch black” today should be avoided because it risks conjuring up hurtful associations in people’s minds. Even if unintended by the speaker, the phrase could evoke racist imagery like blackface or notions of blackness as inherently negative. Given increased awareness of racist language in modern times, the argument is that speakers should err on the side of avoiding phrases that might be offensive.
On the other side, many counter that the lack of racist intent behind “pitch black” and the absurdity of having to avoid common idiomatic phrases should prevail. They argue against the notion that widely used descriptive language should be policed and censored just because a hypothetical few might misinterpret the meaning.
This debate essentially pits two values against each other:
– Avoiding potential offense through careful language choices.
– Using language freely without having to self-censor common idiomatic phrases.
There are merits to both perspectives, with reasonable people disagreeing on where to strike the right balance.
Alternatives to “Pitch Black”
For those who prefer to avoid using “pitch black” out of sensitivity to its potentially problematic connotations, many alternative phrases can easily convey the same meaning:
– Jet black
– Full black
– Deepest black
– As black as night/coal/ink
– Intensely black
– The blackest black
Table summarizing alternative phrases:
| Alternative phrase | Example usage |
|---|---|
| Jet black | Her hair was jet black. |
| Full black | During the power outage, the basement was full black. |
| Deepest black | The deepest black of night set in. |
| As black as night/coal/ink | The caves were as black as night. |
| Intensely black | The burned ruins were intensely black. |
| The blackest black | The the blackest black, it was impossible to see. |
As you can see from the examples above, many alternative phrases can easily substitute for “pitch black” in sentences needing to describe darkness. The intent and meaning are preserved.
Conclusions
The main takeaways from examining the debate over “pitch black” are:
– The etymology of the phrase has no direct racist connections. It emerged in the 16th century strictly to convey a sense of intense, impenetrable darkness by metaphorically linking it to tar/pitch.
– Arguments for racist origins rely on indirect, speculative theories about slang meanings or associations with racist practices. But evidence linking “pitch black” to racism is very tenuous.
– Some argue the phrase should be avoided today to be sensitive about potential unintended connotations. But others do not want to surrender common idiomatic phrases based on hypothetical offense. There are merits to both perspectives.
– Many alternative phrases exist to convey “complete darkness” without saying “pitch black.” So avoiding the phrase in sensitive contexts is simple enough.
Based on the linguistic evidence, “pitch black” itself is not inherently racist language. But for those who wish to err on the side of caution, substituting other phrases to describe intense blackness poses no difficulty. As always, language choices involve sensitivity to context and audience.
