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Definition of brownface

brownface

/ˈbraʊn.feɪs/
brown · face
Plural:brownfaces
•
Past Simple:brownfaced
•
Past Participle:brownfaced
•
Present Participle:brownfacing
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brownface Lexical Profile

brownface Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice in which a light-skinned person uses dark makeup to imitate the appearance of a brown-skinned person (such as someone of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, or Indigenous descent), or the makeup used in this practice, widely regarded as offensive.

Example

"The film historians analyzed how early Hollywood studios frequently cast white actors in brownface rather than hiring minority performers."

2

A vintage electric guitar amplifier manufactured by Fender in the early 1960s, characterized by a brown control panel and fabric covering.

Example

"The guitarist preferred the warm overdrive tone produced by his vintage 1962 brownface amplifier."

• verb

1

To perform in or apply dark makeup to imitate a brown-skinned person.

Example

"Critics condemned the production for choosing to brownface the lead actor instead of casting a performer of South Asian heritage."

• Nearby Words

brown water snake
browne
browne falls
brownface
brownie
browning
brownish

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 20th century as a compound of 'brown' and 'face', modeled directly on the earlier theatrical term 'blackface'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brownface. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brownface
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