How Do You Spell BUCKRA?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌkɹə] (IPA)

Buckra is a word of West African origin that has been adopted in the Caribbean and Southern United States to describe a white person, especially one who holds authority over black people. The spelling of the word, which is pronounced /ˈbʌkrə/ using IPA phonetic transcription, stems from the Creole or Patois language spoken in those regions, where the 'u' is pronounced as a short 'u', thus emphasizing the 'buck' sound. The word is also sometimes spelled as 'buckrah'.

BUCKRA Meaning and Definition

1. Buckra is a noun that primarily refers to a term used to describe a white man, particularly in the context of West Africa and the Caribbean. The word originated from the Efik language in Nigeria before being adopted by various other African languages and cultures. It is considered a colloquial term and is often employed in a historical or rural context.

   With certain derogatory connotations in different regions, the term "buckra" carries racially charged undertones, implying a sense of superiority and dominance associated with white individuals during periods of colonization or slavery. The word was commonly used during these oppressive eras to address white plantation owners, colonial administrators, or slave masters.

   Etymologically, "buckra" is thought to have originated from the Efik word "mbakara" or "mbakarabasi," both meaning "white man." Over time, the term underwent modifications and spread across different languages in the region, ultimately crystallizing into its present form.

   Today, the usage of "buckra" has significantly diminished, as societies have become more aware of the importance of equality and societal harmony. While it may still occasionally be encountered within older literature or regional dialects, it is largely considered archaic and inappropriate due to its historical implications.

2. • White.

   • Among the blacks, a white man.

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

Common Misspellings for BUCKRA

• vuckra
• nuckra
• huckra
• guckra
• byckra
• bhckra
• bjckra
• bickra
• b8ckra
• b7ckra
• buxkra
• buvkra
• bufkra
• budkra
• bucjra
• bucmra
• buclra
• bucora
• bucira

Etymology of BUCKRA

The word "buckra" is believed to have originated in West Africa, specifically among the Akan people of present-day Ghana. It comes from the Akan word "abochere", which means "white man" or "European".

During the transatlantic slave trade, the word was brought to the Americas by enslaved Akan people and other West African ethnic groups. Over time, "abochere" evolved into "buckra" in the creole languages spoken by African slaves in the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean and the United States.

The term "buckra" was primarily used by African people to refer to white individuals, particularly those in positions of power or authority, such as slave owners or overseers. It eventually became a racial slur used by African-Americans to describe white people more generally.

Plural form of BUCKRA is BUCKRAS