What does “Blackball” mean?
"Blackball" means to reject or exclude someone from a group or organization.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They decided to blackball him from the club after his behavior.
Example
The committee voted to blackball her application for membership.
Example
He was blackballed from the team after his controversial comments
Is “Blackball” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Blackball” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Blackball” effectively in context?
You can use "Blackball" to describe the act of rejecting or excluding someone from a group or organization. It implies a collective decision and often carries a negative connotation. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Social Club
They decided to blackball him from the club after his behavior.
- 2Membership Application
The committee voted to blackball her application for membership.
- 3Sports Team
He was blackballed from the team after his controversial comments.
Similar phrases to “Blackball”:
To refuse to accept or consider something or someone
Example
They decided to reject his proposal.
To deliberately leave out or keep someone or something out
Example
She felt excluded from the group.
To exclude or reject someone from a group or society
Example
He was ostracized by his former friends.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Blackball” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Blackball" can be traced back to the 18th century. In social clubs or organizations, a black ball was used as a means of voting. If a member wanted to reject or exclude someone from the group, they would cast a black ball instead of a white one. This practice eventually gave rise to the idiom "blackball", meaning to reject or exclude someone from a group or organization.
Is “Blackball” common in everyday conversation?
While not as commonly used as some other idioms, "Blackball" is still known and understood in everyday conversation. It is often used in specific contexts where rejection or exclusion from a group is being discussed.
What tone does “Blackball” have?
"Blackball" conveys a tone of disapproval and exclusion. It is typically used to describe a negative action taken against someone, emphasizing the rejection or exclusion they face.
Can “Blackball” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Blackball" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts when discussing decisions made by committees, organizations, or clubs.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They decided to blackball him from the club.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He was "blackballed"!' to imply that someone has been rejected or excluded.
