Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
uncle-tom
noun
/ˈʌŋ.kəl.tɑːm/
Definition
A derogatory term referring to a black person who is perceived as overly submissive or obedient to white people.
Examples
- Some critics argue that the character in the novel is an example of an uncle-tom figure.
- She felt that his actions were uncle-tomish, lacking pride in his heritage.
Meaning
The term often implies that the person has betrayed their own people by adopting the attitudes or behaviors of the dominant culture.
Synonyms
- subservient
- self-hating
- traitor
