How Do You Spell BLACKING?

Pronunciation: [blˈakɪŋ] (IPA)

Blacking is a word commonly used to describe a substance applied to shoes to make them shiny. The pronunciation of this word is 'blækɪŋ'. The phonetic transcription reveals that the 'a' sound is short, and the following 'i' sound is pronounced as 'ɪ'. The final consonant cluster consists of 'ck' and 'ing', which represent a voiced velar stop followed by the present participle ending. When it comes to spelling, it is important to note that the correct form of the word is 'blacking,' not 'blackening.'

BLACKING Meaning and Definition

  1. Blacking, as a noun, can refer to various meanings:

    1. A substance used for polishing or covering surfaces, especially shoes, furniture, or metal objects, to make them shine. It is typically a thick, black liquid or paste containing pigments, such as carbon black or graphite, mixed with oils or waxes. When applied to a surface, it provides a glossy or matte black finish, enhancing its appearance or protecting it from wear and decay.

    2. Offensive Archaic term used in the 19th century to denote the practice of darkening one's face, usually with burnt cork or shoe polish, to perform in minstrel shows. This derogatory form of entertainment involved mocking African-American stereotypes and perpetuating racial discrimination.

    3. The act or process of making something black or dirty with dirt, soot, or stains. For example, a fireplace can produce blacking when the burning of fuels causes soot to accumulate on surfaces.

    4. Slang term used to describe incapacitation or unconsciousness, especially due to the effects of excessive alcohol or drugs. It suggests the loss of consciousness and memory, often associated with excessive partying.

    5. Informal term for the dark ink used in fountain pens or printing, usually black in color.

    Overall, the definition of "blacking" includes substances, actions, and historical contexts related to making things black or dirty, enhancing their appearance, or negatively portraying race.

  2. A substance used in polishing boots and shoes; that which makes black.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BLACKING

Etymology of BLACKING

The word "blacking" originated from the verb "black". It is derived from the Old English word "blæc" or "blac", which meant "ink" or "dark color". Over time, the meaning of "black" expanded to refer to objects that were dark in color or covered with soot or dirt. The noun form "blacking" specifically emerged in the 16th century and was used to describe a substance, usually a black liquid or paste, used for polishing or shining objects, especially shoes.

Similar spelling words for BLACKING

Plural form of BLACKING is BLACKINGS

Conjugate verb Blacking

CONDITIONAL

I would black
we would black
you would black
he/she/it would black
they would black

FUTURE

I will black
we will black
you will black
he/she/it will black
they will black

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have blacked
we will have blacked
you will have blacked
he/she/it will have blacked
they will have blacked

PAST

I blacked
we blacked
you blacked
he/she/it blacked
they blacked

PAST PERFECT

I had blacked
we had blacked
you had blacked
he/she/it had blacked
they had blacked

PRESENT

I black
we black
you black
he/she/it blacks
they black

PRESENT PERFECT

I have blacked
we have blacked
you have blacked
he/she/it has blacked
they have blacked
I am blacking
we are blacking
you are blacking
he/she/it is blacking
they are blacking
I was blacking
we were blacking
you were blacking
he/she/it was blacking
they were blacking
I will be blacking
we will be blacking
you will be blacking
he/she/it will be blacking
they will be blacking
I have been blacking
we have been blacking
you have been blacking
he/she/it has been blacking
they have been blacking
I had been blacking
we had been blacking
you had been blacking
he/she/it had been blacking
they had been blacking
I will have been blacking
we will have been blacking
you will have been blacking
he/she/it will have been blacking
they will have been blacking
I would have blacked
we would have blacked
you would have blacked
he/she/it would have blacked
they would have blacked
I would be blacking
we would be blacking
you would be blacking
he/she/it would be blacking
they would be blacking
I would have been blacking
we would have been blacking
you would have been blacking
he/she/it would have been blacking
they would have been blacking

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: