What is a yellow bone slang?

"Yellow bone" is a slang term used primarily in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) or Black English. It refers to a person who is of mixed race or has a lighter skin tone, often with a yellow or light brown complexion.

The term originated in African American communities and has its roots in colorism, a belief system that places value on lighter skin tones and often reflects Eurocentric beauty standards. The phrase "yellow bone" can be traced back to African American folk songs and literature from the early 20th century.

In contemporary usage, calling someone a "yellow bone" can be seen as a compliment or an acknowledgement of their perceived attractiveness due to their lighter skin tone. However, it is important to note that using this term to define or categorize individuals based on their skin color perpetuates colorism and can be considered problematic. It can reinforce harmful beauty standards and contribute to discrimination based on skin tone.

It's also worth mentioning that the term "yellow bone" is specific to African American communities and may not be widely recognized or used in other cultural contexts.