BLACKFISHING

What Does BLACKFISHING Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

BLACKFISHING means "Attempting to Appear Black."

More Observations...

According to NBC, the term BLACKFISHING first came to prominence in 2018, when it was used in a Twitter thread by journalist Wanna Thompson. In the thread, Thompson criticized White celebrities who had used makeup, Photoshop, and cosmetic surgery to appear Black. Critics have compared BLACKFISHING to blackface (the practice of a non-Black person dressing up as Black person), saying it is an appropriation of Black culture. In October 2021, former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson was accused of BLACKFISHING, for her appearance in the video for her new song "Boyz," a collaboration with rapper Nicki Minaj.

Jesy Nelson Ft. Nicki Minaj - Boyz

Image for BLACKFISHING

When I write BLACKFISHING, I mean this:

Jesy Nelson is one of many celebrities who have been accused of BLACKFISHING.

Summary of Key Points

"Attempting to Appear Black" is, by far, the most common meaning for BLACKFISHING when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

BLACKFISHING
Definition:	Attempting to Appear Black
Type:	Word
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Example of BLACKFISHING Used in a Text

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