BLACKBALLINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Blackballing is the act of excluding, boycotting, or ostracizing someone from a particular group, organization, or community. It involves the practice of casting a secret vote against an individual or their proposal, often resulting in their denial of membership, employment, or participation. This term originated in the 18th century in English social clubs, where a black ball was used to indicate a negative vote.
Blackballing typically occurs when a majority or a select few members of a group collectively decide to reject or obstruct an individual's acceptance into a group or to prohibit their involvement. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including personal disagreements, rivalries, disagreements on principles or beliefs, or even as a form of punishment or retaliation. The process is often conducted in a confidential manner to ensure the privacy and anonymity of the voters, allowing them to express their opposition without direct confrontation.
Blackballing, when employed as a practice, may carry significant consequences for the individual being targeted. It can result in social isolation, limited career opportunities, damage to one's reputation, and a sense of exclusion from the desired group or community. The impact of blackballing can extend beyond the immediate situation as reputational damage may persist and hinder future opportunities.
Overall, blackballing refers to the act of excluding someone from a group or community through the use of negative votes or collective rejection, often causing significant personal and professional consequences for the individual involved.
Common Misspellings for BLACKBALLINGS
- blackbaling
- vlackballings
- nlackballings
- hlackballings
- glackballings
- bkackballings
- bpackballings
- boackballings
- blzckballings
- blsckballings
- blwckballings
- blqckballings
- blaxkballings
- blavkballings
- blafkballings
- bladkballings
- blacjballings
- blacmballings
- blaclballings
- blacoballings
Etymology of BLACKBALLINGS
The word "blackballing" has its roots in two separate terms: "black" and "ball".
The term "black" has been used historically to symbolize negativity, evil, or exclusion. In this context, it refers to the act of rejecting or excluding someone.
The word "ball" refers to the use of a small object, often a black or white ball, to indicate a vote or decision. This practice originated from ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used in various voting processes.
The combination of these two terms resulted in the formation of "blackballing", which refers to the practice of excluding or rejecting someone by means of a vote or decision symbolized by a black ball. It is often used in relation to secret or anonymous voting processes, where individuals cast their votes by placing a black ball in a container.
