Definition: mu·lat·to (n. pl mu·lat·tos or mu·lat·toes)
Mulatto is a term of Spanish or Portuguese origin (meaning "small mule"). An alternate etymology traces its origins to the Arabic "muwallad," which simply means "a person of mixed ancestry."
Although it is commonly used to describe individuals of mixed European and African descent, it originally referred to any hybrid species. In fact, in the United States, "mulatto" was also used as a term for those of mixed white and Native American ancestry during the early census years.
It is important to note that some value the sense of historical continuity the term brings, while others who prefer terms such as "bi-racial," consider it offensive.
In Latin America, mulattos make up a significant percentage of the population: Dominican Republic (73%), Cuba (51%), Brazil (38%), Puerto Rico (est. 20-27%), Colombia (14%), and Panama (14%).
It is also important to note that continued application of the Jim Crow era's "One-Drop Rule," which deems all people with any amount of African blood "Black"), prevents mulattos from becoming an independent ethnic entity, despite members seeing themselves as such.
Famous mulattos include: Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Thandie Newton, Vin Diesel, Grant Hill, Mya, Faith Evans
Mulatto is a term of Spanish or Portuguese origin (meaning "small mule"). An alternate etymology traces its origins to the Arabic "muwallad," which simply means "a person of mixed ancestry."
Although it is commonly used to describe individuals of mixed European and African descent, it originally referred to any hybrid species. In fact, in the United States, "mulatto" was also used as a term for those of mixed white and Native American ancestry during the early census years.
It is important to note that some value the sense of historical continuity the term brings, while others who prefer terms such as "bi-racial," consider it offensive.
In Latin America, mulattos make up a significant percentage of the population: Dominican Republic (73%), Cuba (51%), Brazil (38%), Puerto Rico (est. 20-27%), Colombia (14%), and Panama (14%).
It is also important to note that continued application of the Jim Crow era's "One-Drop Rule," which deems all people with any amount of African blood "Black"), prevents mulattos from becoming an independent ethnic entity, despite members seeing themselves as such.
Famous mulattos include: Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Thandie Newton, Vin Diesel, Grant Hill, Mya, Faith Evans
Pronunciation: mu·lat·to
Also Known As: bi-racial, (can be considered derogatory: oreo)
Alternate Spellings: mulato, mulattoes, mulattos
Common Misspellings: mullatto, mulattoe, mullatoe, melato
Examples: The Mulatto, given his boundary-crossing racial heritage, has a long and unique history in the U.S.