⚠️ Offensive old term ⚠️ Offensive old term

mulatta

1 9.9

Offensive, outdated word used to describe a woman with both White and Black parents

adjective
/mʌˈlætə/

Slur

: mulata

Literature from the 19th century sometimes used mulatta to describe women of mixed heritage.

Examples

Modern discussions on race and identity reject terms like mulatta due to their offensive history.
The word mulatta is now widely recognized as offensive and should not be used.
The term mulatta is considered offensive today.
In the past, a mulatta might have been seen as exotic.
The term mulatta is now considered derogatory and should be avoided in respectful conversation.
She studied how literature has portrayed the term mulatta throughout the years, reflecting changing attitudes towards race.
Many activists argue that the label mulatta perpetuates stereotypes and does not honor individual identities.

Compounds

Macaca mulatta

Specialized

1 8.0

A monkey from southern Asia that scientists often use in medical research

Surface Forms

mulatta positive

Etymology

Mulatta is now an offensive and outdated word for a woman of mixed white and Black ancestry. It comes from the Spanish/Portuguese mulato, and many people link that to mula 'mule' because comparing people to a mule treats them like animals, which is why the word is hurtful and should not be used.