What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mulatto
Example
Her father is African American, and her mother is white, making her a mulatto. [mulatto: noun]
Example
He has a mulatto complexion due to his mixed heritage. [mulatto: adjective]
biracial
Example
She identifies as biracial because her mother is Asian and her father is Black. [biracial: adjective]
Example
He is proud of his biracial identity and the unique perspective it gives him. [biracial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Biracial is more commonly used than mulatto in modern language and is the preferred term in most contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mulatto and biracial?
Both mulatto and biracial can be used in formal and informal contexts, but biracial is generally considered more appropriate and respectful due to its lack of negative historical connotations.
