The word "coloured" is often spelled differently across different English-speaking regions. In British English, it is commonly spelled with a "u," such as "coloured," whereas in American English, it is spelled without the "u," as in "colored." The IPA phonetic transcription for "coloured" is /ˈkʌləd/. The "ou" combination in the spelling represents the vowel sound /ʌ/, which is a short and open sound. This phonetic trait is emphasized in the British English version of the word, which adds the "u" to reflect this pronunciation.
The term "coloured" is an adjective often used to describe something that has a particular hue, shade, or pigmentation. It refers to the presence of color or a variety of colors. This quality can be observed in objects, substances, or materials that possess chromatic characteristics.
In the context of physical appearances, the term "coloured" is historically used to refer to individuals whose skin tones are different from the dominant racial or ethnic group in a particular society. It has been, at times, associated with racial discrimination and segregation. However, it is important to acknowledge that the term is considered outdated and potentially offensive in some regions, as it has been replaced by more inclusive and respectful terminology.
Apart from the racial connotation, "coloured" can also be used to describe a multi-colored or vibrant object, such as a "coloured painting" or "coloured fabric." This usage emphasizes the presence of various hues or shades within the specific item.
Furthermore, the term "coloured" can be employed metaphorically to describe something that is vivid, expressive, or imaginative. For instance, a piece of writing can be described as "coloured language" if it is characterized by vibrant and creative descriptions.
Overall, the definition of "coloured" is multifaceted and context-dependent, ranging from the description of hues and skin tones to the expression of vividness and creativity. However, due to its historical associations and potential offensiveness, it is recommended to use alternative, more inclusive terminology in contemporary discourse.
Shewing colour; of African descent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word coloured is derived from the Old French word coloré, which means colored. It ultimately comes from the Latin word coloratus, which also means colored.