Malcolm X

47 4.2

A Black American leader who fought for equal rights and sometimes asked Black people to defend themselves

proper noun
/ˈmæl.kəm ɛks/

: Malcolm X

Malcolm X was one of the most influential Black leaders of the 50s and 60s.

Examples

The autobiography of Malcolm X remains a powerful account of transformation and advocacy.
Many young activists look up to Malcolm X for his uncompromising stance on equality.
Malcolm X's speeches inspired many to challenge racial injustice in America.
Many people admire Malcolm X for his powerful speeches.
Did you know that Malcolm X was born in Omaha?
We remember Malcolm X for his courage and uncompromising push for justice.
Minister Louis Farrakhan often speaks about his great friend and mentor, the late leader Malcolm X.

Surface Forms

Malcolm X main

Morphology

Malcolm + x

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical individual whose identity and sociopolitical significance cannot be derived from the literal constituents 'Malcolm' and 'x' (the letter). Recognizing who Malcolm X was requires cultural/historical knowledge rather than compositional word knowledge, so the expression is not predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Malcolm X chose the letter X instead of his birth surname to show that the family name given to his ancestors under slavery was lost. So his name became a symbol of rejecting the 'slave name' and of fighting for Black pride and equal rights.