English · Phrasal verb Attested

black up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To become or make (something) black or darker.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To put on or wear blackface makeup.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make something (e.g. a film, cast, story line, etc.) more racially black in character; blackenize.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “black up” mean?

To become or make (something) black or darker.

Is “black up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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