TERMIUM Plus®

From: Translation Bureau

On social media

Consult the Government of Canada’s terminology data bank.

BLACK FACE [1 record]

Record 1 2022-02-21

English

Subject field(s)
  • Performing Arts
  • Sociology of Human Relations
CONT

The first minstrel shows were performed in 1830s New York by white performers with blackened faces … and tattered clothing who imitated and mimicked enslaved Africans on Southern plantations. … Blackface and the codifying of blackness — language, movement, deportment, and character — as caricature persists through mass media and public performances ...

OBS

The practice of blackface carries a racist connotation and is considered offensive.

Key term(s)
  • black face

French

Domaine(s)
  • Arts du spectacle
  • Sociologie des relations humaines
CONT

Le «blackface» […] renvoie à une pratique théâtrale qui s'est développée à partir du 19[e exposant] siècle aux États-Unis. Durant les spectacles appelés «minstrel shows», des acteurs blancs se [maquillaient] le visage en noir pour interpréter des personnages caricaturaux de noirs […] toujours hilares et portés sur la danse et la musique.

OBS

Cette pratique a une connotation raciste et est considérée offensante.

Key term(s)
  • black face

Spanish

Save record 1

Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2026
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

Features

GCtranslate (available on the Government of Canada network only)

Use this artificial intelligence prototype to translate Government of Canada content up to and including Protected B. Available to employees of selected departments and agencies only.

Writing tools

The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.

Glossaries and vocabularies

Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.

Date Modified: