Definition

Noun: A person whose ancestors belonged to two or more different racial groups. The term describes an individual of multiracial ancestry.

Usage

The term "mixed-blood" is used to describe a person's heritage. It functions as a countable noun. * Historically, the term was used in anthropological and colonial contexts. * In contemporary usage, it is often considered dated or potentially offensive. More neutral and preferred terms like "multiracial," "biracial," or "of mixed race/heritage" are commonly used instead.

Examples

• The historical records documented the lives of several mixed-bloods in the frontier society.
• She identified as a mixed-blood, with Indigenous and European ancestry.
• The use of the term "mixed-blood" in the old document reflects the language of that era.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes appear in historical fiction or academic discussions about historical racial classifications to maintain period accuracy.
• It may be used in a self-referential way by individuals reclaiming the term, though this is context-specific.

Variants and Related Words

• Mixed-race (adj/n): The more modern and generally preferred term to describe a person with ancestors from different races.
• Multiracial (adj): Describing something involving or consisting of people of several racial groups.
• Biracial (adj): Specifically describing a person with parents from two different racial groups.
• Métis (n): A specific term, often capitalized, for people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry in Canada and parts of the United States.

Synonyms

• Person of mixed race
• Multiracial person
• Biracial person

Notes on Usage

• Sensitivity: "Mixed-blood" is largely viewed as an outdated and potentially derogatory term. Its use outside of direct historical quotation or specific reclaimed contexts is discouraged. It reduces complex human identity to a metaphor of "blood."
• Preferred Language: When describing someone's racial background, it is best to use the terms they prefer or more contemporary, descriptive language like "multiracial," "of mixed heritage," or to specify the heritages involved (e.g., "She is of Korean and German descent").

Noun

1. a person whose ancestors belonged to two or more races