Redbone Definition Urban (2024)

FAQs

What is the urban definition of a redbone? ›

Redbone is a term historically used in much of the southern United States to denote a multiracial individual or culture. Among African Americans the term has been slang for fairer-skinned Black people, often for women specifically or for Black people with red undertones.

I am a “Redbone.” It refers to a range of skin color that makes people ask, “Are you mixed?” Going out on a limb, I'd say most black folks know “Redbone” is slang for a light-skinned African-American.

A redbone is one who is light-skinned but has reddish undertones in their skin color. They're usually slightly darker than yellowbones. Think Aaliyah, Keyshia Cole, Nicki Minaj.

Originating from 18th century chattel slavery in the West Indies, the term 'red bone' takes from the creole term 'red Ibo' referring to fairer skinned black people.

The word "redbone" is a Cajun term for a mixed-race person, which the band adopted to signify their mixed ancestry. The Vasquez-Vegas brothers were of Yaqui, Shoshone, and Mexican heritage. The band often alluded to Cajun and New Orleans culture in their lyrics and performing style.

Woke is a political slang adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) originally meaning alertness to racial prejudice and discrimination. Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights.

The meme began on May 13, when one Twitter user posted muffled audio of “Redbone” and said it was what the song would sound like while making out in the bathroom of a house party. The Redbone meme was born. What Redbone would sound like while you're making out in the bathroom of a house party pic.twitter.com/1X4T7jFvZc.

The term yellow bone is used as a supposedly positive description and reference to black people who have light skin. Urban dictionary describes yellow bone as “the lightest type of light skinned black female.

Example Sentences

When he makes his entrance in the film, he is dancing to the Redbone classic “Come and Get Your Love.” Later I learned that the director had wanted Leon Redbone to head the band.

Last week Childish Gambino kicked off the album release cycle for Awaken, My Love with “Me and Your Mama” and now he's back with the ridiculously funky “Redbone.” It samples “I'd Rather Be with You” by Bootsy Collins and finds Gambino channeling his inner Prince.

Why is redbone famous? ›

In 1973 Redbone released their most famous and iconic song, "Come And Get Your Love," on their fifth album, “Wovoka”. As a follow-up single, Redbone wanted to release "We Were All Wounded At Wounded Knee," a song about the 1890 massacre in South Dakota, where US cavalry forces killed about 200 Native Americans.

noun. red·​bone ˈred-ˌbōn. : any of a breed of agile speedy coonhounds of U.S. origin having a usually solid dark red coat.

As Pat and current member Raven Hernandez explained in this undated interview, the term was a reference to the Vegas brothers' heritage. “Redbone means half-breed,” said Pat. “Anyone who has part-Indian blood, that's a redbone. Back in the old days, if you called a Native American a half-breed, it was fighting words.”

Founded by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, Redbone scored a Top 5 hit in 1974 with "Come and Get Your Love," launching their Indigenous style and influences into the pop conversation.

yellow bone (plural yellow bones) (African-American Vernacular) A light-skinned man or woman of mixed ethnicity including black.

As a community, BookTok originated when a particular TikTok user began posting videos about their favorite books. Presently, most BookTok creators are either women or teens who post videos on different genres of books such as romance, young adult fantasy, young adult fiction, etc.

c. 1600, typically in reference to drunkenness, from red (adj. 1) + nose (n.). Red-nose (adj.) indicating "drunken" is by 1580s.