blacking
A substance, such as a paste or liquid, used to color something black and provide a shine, specifically for leather shoes or metalwork. In a labor context, it can also refer to the refusal by workers to handle certain goods as a form of industrial action.
Examples
3 of 5He spent the morning applying blacking to his boots until they gleamed.
He spent the morning applying blacking to his boots until they gleamed.
The trade union announced a blacking of all cargo arriving from the disputed territory.
The trade union announced a blacking of all cargo arriving from the disputed territory.
I need some more blacking; the stove is starting to look a bit rusty.
I need some more blacking; the stove is starting to look a bit rusty.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember Charles Dickens: he famously worked in a 'blacking factory' as a child, putting labels on jars of shoe polish.
Quick Quiz
The worker was tasked with applying a thick layer of ___ to the antique iron stove to prevent it from rusting.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
He spent the morning applying blacking to his boots until they gleamed.
everydayHe spent the morning applying blacking to his boots until they gleamed.
The trade union announced a blacking of all cargo arriving from the disputed territory.
formalThe trade union announced a blacking of all cargo arriving from the disputed territory.
I need some more blacking; the stove is starting to look a bit rusty.
informalI need some more blacking; the stove is starting to look a bit rusty.
The archaeological report noted traces of blacking on the iron fragments found in the kitchen.
academicThe archaeological report noted traces of blacking on the iron fragments found in the kitchen.
The industrial dispute led to a total blacking of the company's export products.
businessThe industrial dispute led to a total blacking of the company's export products.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
blacking factory
a historical place of employment where shoe polish was made
liquid blacking
a non-solid form of black polish
blacking of goods
the act of boycotting or refusing to move specific items
Often Confused With
Blacklisting refers to banning people from employment or a group, while blacking refers to polishing or boycotting goods.
A blackout is a loss of electricity or consciousness, whereas blacking is a physical substance or a labor action.
Usage Notes
The term is somewhat dated in the context of polish, often appearing in 19th-century literature. In modern usage, it is most common in British industrial relations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often think it refers to the color itself rather than a substance used to create the color, or confuse it with the verb 'blacking out'.
Memory Tip
Remember Charles Dickens: he famously worked in a 'blacking factory' as a child, putting labels on jars of shoe polish.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English 'blacken', from the adjective 'black', combined with the gerund suffix '-ing'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Deeply associated with the Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution in Britain, reflecting both domestic chores and child labor history.
Quick Quiz
The worker was tasked with applying a thick layer of ___ to the antique iron stove to prevent it from rusting.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
overall
B2Describing the total or general nature of something when all parts or factors are considered together. It refers to the whole of a situation rather than specific details or individual components.
overlap
B2To cover part of the same area of space or time as something else, or to have some common qualities or features. It describes situations where two things occupy the same physical space partially or where two events happen simultaneously for a period.
overseas
B2Relating to, coming from, or situated in a country across the sea or ocean. It is used to describe international contexts, particularly travel, trade, or living arrangements in a foreign land.
panel
B2A panel is a small group of people brought together to discuss a specific topic, provide expert advice, or make decisions. It can also refer to a distinct, flat, and often rectangular section of a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or control board.
parameter
B2A parameter is a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process, system, or activity. In technical or mathematical contexts, it refers to a measurable factor that sets the conditions of an operation.
passive
B2Describing someone who allows things to happen or accepts what others do without resistance or participation. It is also used in grammar to describe a sentence structure where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer.
persist
B2To continue firmly in an opinion or a course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or failure. It also refers to a state or condition that continues to exist or endure over a prolonged period.
philosophy
B2Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. It also refers to a specific set of beliefs, values, or principles that guide the behavior and outlook of an individual or an organization.
portion
B2A portion is a part of a whole that has been divided or allocated to a specific person or purpose. It is most commonly used to describe a serving of food or a specific share of a larger amount, such as money or time.
pose
B2To present or constitute a problem, danger, or challenge that needs to be addressed. It also refers to the physical act of assuming a specific position for a photograph, painting, or artistic work.
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