How Do You Spell BLACKBALLS?

Pronunciation: [blˈakbɔːlz] (IPA)

The word "blackballs" is spelled with two separate words - "black" and "balls". The IPA phonetic transcription for "black" is /blæk/, which is pronounced with a voiced "b" sound, an "l" sound, and a short "a" vowel sound, followed by a hard "k" sound. The IPA transcription for "balls" is /bɔlz/, which is pronounced with a voiced "b" sound, an open "ɔ" vowel sound, and a plural "z" sound. Together, these two words form the compound word "blackballs".

BLACKBALLS Meaning and Definition

1. Blackballs is a verb that refers to the act of excluding or rejecting someone from a group, organization, or social circle by voting against their inclusion or acceptance. The term originated from an outdated method of voting employed by certain organizations, where a secret ballot system was used. In this system, members would cast their vote either by submitting a white ball (signifying acceptance) or a black ball (signifying rejection). If even a single black ball was cast against an individual, they would be denied entry or participation.

   As a metaphorical expression, blackballs involves the collective decision-making of a group, where the negative votes or dissenting opinions hold significant influence. The action of blackballing someone often stems from disagreement, disapproval, or a desire to ostracize an individual. It carries connotations of exclusion, rejection, and the denial of opportunities, privileges, or social acceptance.

   The act of blackballing is typically done by a majority or by those in positions of power within a group or organization. It can be seen as a form of social control or a means of maintaining exclusivity. Blackballing can have significant consequences on an individual's personal and professional life, as it may limit their opportunities, relationships, and reputation.

   In social and professional contexts, the act of blackballing is generally perceived as unfair and unethical, as it deprives individuals of their rights and opportunities without justifiable reasons.

Common Misspellings for BLACKBALLS

• blacballs
• Blacbals

Etymology of BLACKBALLS

The word "blackball" originates from the combination of the words "black" and "ball". Its etymology can be traced back to an ancient method of voting or decision-making used in various secret societies and social clubs, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. During these gatherings, members would vote on admitting new members by either casting a white or black ball into a container. The use of a black ball was used as a means of expressing opposition or vetoing a candidate's admission. Thus, the term "blackball" came to represent the act of rejecting or excluding someone from a group or organization.

Conjugate verb Blackballs

CONDITIONAL

I would blackball

we would blackball

you would blackball

he/she/it would blackball

they would blackball

FUTURE

I will blackball

we will blackball

you will blackball

he/she/it will blackball

they will blackball

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have blackballed

we will have blackballed

you will have blackballed

he/she/it will have blackballed

they will have blackballed

PAST

I blackballed

we blackballed

you blackballed

he/she/it blackballed

they blackballed

PAST PERFECT

I had blackballed

we had blackballed

you had blackballed

he/she/it had blackballed

they had blackballed

PRESENT

I blackball

we blackball

you blackball

he/she/it blackballs

they blackball

PRESENT PERFECT

I have blackballed

we have blackballed

you have blackballed

he/she/it has blackballed

they have blackballed

I am blackballing

we are blackballing

you are blackballing

he/she/it is blackballing

they are blackballing

I was blackballing

we were blackballing

you were blackballing

he/she/it was blackballing

they were blackballing

I will be blackballing

we will be blackballing

you will be blackballing

he/she/it will be blackballing

they will be blackballing

I have been blackballing

we have been blackballing

you have been blackballing

he/she/it has been blackballing

they have been blackballing

I had been blackballing

we had been blackballing

you had been blackballing

he/she/it had been blackballing

they had been blackballing

I will have been blackballing

we will have been blackballing

you will have been blackballing

he/she/it will have been blackballing

they will have been blackballing

I would have blackballed

we would have blackballed

you would have blackballed

he/she/it would have blackballed

they would have blackballed

I would be blackballing

we would be blackballing

you would be blackballing

he/she/it would be blackballing

they would be blackballing

I would have been blackballing

we would have been blackballing

you would have been blackballing

he/she/it would have been blackballing

they would have been blackballing