redbone
UK[ˈrɛdbəʊn]US[ˈrɛdboʊn]
n
a dog of a breed originally from the southern united states, having a smooth, solid red coat.
n
(chiefly us, informal, sometimes offensive) a person of mixed black and white ancestry, especially one with light brown skin and reddish undertones.
Morpheme Breakdown
red
bone
red
bone
Etymology
the term "redbone" is a transparent english compound, directly combining the color descriptor "red" with the noun "bone." its application to a dog breed is literal, referring to the animal's distinctive solid red coat color. in its anthropological usage, the term emerged in american vernacular, employing "bone" metaphorically to suggest lineage or ancestry, with "red" describing perceived skin tone. this figurative use reflects historical and social classifications based on physical appearance.
Analysis
Structure: red + bone
"red" (from old english 'read', meaning the color red, of germanic origin). "bone" (from old english 'ban', meaning bone, of germanic origin).
Examples
the redbone coonhound is prized for its tracking ability and gentle temperament.
in some southern communities, the term redbone was used as a colloquial descriptor.
the novel explores the complex identity of a character identified as a redbone.