Uncle Tom
Noun: 1. A servile black character in a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Refers specifically to the fictional character Uncle Tom from the 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. 2. (Ethnic slur) Offensive and derogatory name for a Black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to White people: A highly offensive term used to criticize a Black person perceived as being excessively submissive to or seeking approval from White people, especially by betraying their own racial group or community interests.
- Noun (referring to the character):
- The novel's protagonist, Uncle Tom, is a complex figure whose portrayal has been interpreted in different ways over time.
- Noun (used as a slur):
- He was accused of being an Uncle Tom for not supporting the protest. (Extremely offensive usage)
- "Uncle Tom behavior" or "Tomming": Refers to the act of being obsequiously servile or betraying one's community to curry favor with a more powerful group. These terms are also highly offensive.
- The critic condemned what he called the politician's Uncle Tom behavior. (Offensive usage)
- Tom (noun): A shortened, equally offensive form of "Uncle Tom."
- Uncle Tomism (noun): The practice or behavior associated with being an "Uncle Tom"; servility. (Offensive term)
- Race traitor (noun, offensive): A person perceived as betraying their own racial or ethnic group.
- Sellout (noun, slang): A person who betrays a cause or group for personal gain.
The term "Uncle Tom" is an extremely offensive ethnic slur. Its use is considered hate speech and is deeply hurtful. It reduces a complex historical literary figure to a stereotype and is used to shame and ostracize individuals. It should never be used in respectful discourse. Understanding this term is important for historical and cultural literacy, but using it is unacceptable.
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a servile black character in a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
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(ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a Black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to Whites