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Blackball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blackball

[ˈblækbɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social exclusion

To blackball someone means to vote against their membership, involvement, or acceptance within a particular group or organization. This typically occurs during secret ballots and can result in a person being ostracized from social or professional circles. The act of blackballing can have serious implications for an individual's reputation and opportunities. It is often associated with clubs, societies, and other collective groups that have a selective membership process.

Synonyms

exclude, ostracize, shun.

Examples of usage

  • The committee decided to blackball the controversial candidate.
  • He was blackballed from the country club after the incident.
  • Despite his talent, he was blackballed by the industry.
  • Her outspoken opinions led her to be blackballed in the community.
Context #2 | Noun

social rejection

A blackball refers to a vote cast against someone, typically used in the context of secret ballot voting for membership in exclusive organizations. When a blackball is used, it usually signifies that the individual is unwelcome within that particular group. The term also symbolizes broader social rejection, reflecting how communities can decide to exclude individuals based on various criteria.

Synonyms

disapproval, no-vote, rejection.

Examples of usage

  • His application received a blackball from the board.
  • Despite his achievements, he faced a blackball from his peers.
  • The blackballing process was made clear during the meeting.
  • She learned about the consequences of being on the blackball list.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In the 19th century, the blackballing practice was notably used in clubs and societies like the Freemasons and gentlemen's clubs to maintain exclusive memberships.
  • The term gained popularity with the rise of social clubs that required discreet voting to protect member privacy.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, 'blackball' often appears in various films and books, illustrating social ostracism and exclusion.
  • Famous examples include storylines about individuals who are 'blackballed' from the film industry or elite circles.

Psychology

  • Blackballing someone can lead to significant emotional distress and feelings of isolation, highlighting the impact of social exclusion.
  • Group dynamics often influence how and why individuals are blackballed, revealing behavioral patterns in communities.

Legal Framework

  • In some contexts, blackballing can lead to legal issues, especially if it involves discrimination against protected classes.
  • Organizations may have policies to counteract blackballing, promoting inclusivity and fair treatment.

Origin of 'blackball'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated in the 18th century, derived from the practice of using black balls to express a negative vote in private organizations.
  • In voting, a white ball commonly represented acceptance, while a black ball indicated rejection.

The term 'blackball' originated in the 18th century and is believed to have derived from the practice of using black and white balls to vote in social clubs. When members of such clubs voted on whether an individual should be admitted, a black ball indicated disapproval and a white ball indicated acceptance. The term gained popularity over time and became a metaphor for excluding individuals from various contexts, particularly in social and professional settings. This voting method highlighted the power dynamics within exclusive organizations and illustrated how a single blackball could significantly impact a person's social standing. The concept of 'blackballing' has since evolved into broader applications, signifying the act of preventing someone from gaining access to opportunities or communities.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,167, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.