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{{otheruses4|the colour black}} {{otheruses4|the color black}}
{{infobox color|title=Black|hex=000000|textcolor=white| {{infobox color|title=Black|hex=000000|textcolor=white|
r=0|g=0|b=0| r=0|g=0|b=0|
c=0|m=0|y=0|k=100 †| c=0|m=0|y=0|k=100 †|
h=-|s=-|v=0| h=-|s=-|v=0|
spelling=Colour spelling=Color
}} }}
'''Black''' is the colour of things that do not reflect light of any parts of the visible spectrum. '''Black''' is the color of things that do not reflect light of any parts of the visible spectrum.


More accurately, black contains all the colours of the visible spectrum and is sometimes described as an achromatic colour. More accurately, black contains all the colors of the visible spectrum and is sometimes described as an achromatic color.

⚫ ==Colour or light==


⚫ ==Color or light==
In ], a ] is a perfect absorber of light, but by a rule derived by ] it is also, when heated, the best emitter. Thus, the best radiative cooling, out of sunlight, is by using black paint, though it is important that it be black (a nearly perfect absorber) in the ] as well. In ], a ] is a perfect absorber of light, but by a rule derived by ] it is also, when heated, the best emitter. Thus, the best radiative cooling, out of sunlight, is by using black paint, though it is important that it be black (a nearly perfect absorber) in the ] as well.


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It's a tint It's a tint


== Usage, symbolism, colloquial expressions == ==Usage, symbolism, colloquial expressions==

{{cleanup-list}} {{cleanup-list}}
⚫ In the ], black is most often used with a negative connotation. The reasons for this are various, but the most widely accepted explanations are that ] is experienced by humans as negative and dangerous. A secondary reason is that stains are most visible as dark additions to pale materials. In traditional class-based Western cultures "pale" skin indicated genteel domestic or intellectual indoor-work as opposed to rough outdoor labor in the fields. Aspects of this black/white opposition are not unique to the West, as, for example in the ]n ] system. ], ] and ] writers such as ], ], ], and ] in particular identify a number of negative symbolisms surrounding the word "black", arguing that the good vs. bad dualism associated with white and black provide prejudiced connotations to ].

⚫ In the ], black is most often used with a negative connotation. The reasons for this are various, but the most widely accepted explanations are that ] is experienced by humans as negative and dangerous. A secondary reason is that stains are most visible as dark additions to pale materials. In traditional class-based Western cultures "pale" skin indicated genteel domestic or intellectual indoor-work as opposed to rough outdoor labor in the fields. Aspects of this black/white opposition are not unique to the West, as, for example in the ]n ] system. ], ] and ] writers such as ], ], ], and ] in particular identify a number of negative symbolisms surrounding the word "black", arguing that the good vs. bad dualism associated with white and black provide prejudiced connotations to ].
*] *]
*] *]
*] killing of the ] population by the Sinhalese government *] killing of the ] population by the Sinhalese government
* A "black day", in these cultures, would refer to a sad or tragic day. The Romans already marked ] days with white stones and ] days with black.{{fact}} *A "black day", in these cultures, would refer to a sad or tragic day. The Romans already marked ] days with white stones and ] days with black.{{fact}}
** e.g. the ] refers to a month in which thousands were killed. **e.g. the ] refers to a month in which thousands were killed.
**] (''Printemps noir'') refers to the events of spring 2001 in the ] region of ] (]), when the police shot and killed more than 100 people. **] (''Printemps noir'') refers to the events of spring 2001 in the ] region of ] (]), when the police shot and killed more than 100 people.
**], ] on ], ] **], ] on ], ]
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**], stock market crash on ], ] **], stock market crash on ], ]
**], various tragic events. Also the day after Thanksgiving, the official start to the US holiday shopping season, though in this latter case it may be construed as a positive thing. **], various tragic events. Also the day after Thanksgiving, the official start to the US holiday shopping season, though in this latter case it may be construed as a positive thing.
*many poems and songs use the word black negatively (e.g. "''Paint It Black''" (]), "''Baby's In Black''" (]), "''Black Eyed Dog''" (]), " Fade to Black" (]). *Many poems and songs use the word black negatively (e.g. "''Paint It Black''" (]), "''Baby's In Black''" (]), "''Black Eyed Dog''" (]), " Fade to Black" (]).
*In English ], black means darkness, doubt, ignorance, and uncertainty. (The American Girls Handy Book, p. 370) *In English ], black means darkness, doubt, ignorance, and uncertainty. (The American Girls Handy Book, p. 370)
* Black is often a colour of ]. Historically, widows and widowers were often expected to wear black. *Black is often a color of ]. Historically, widows and widowers were often expected to wear black.
* ] is a form of ] dealing with morbid and serious topics. *] is a form of ] dealing with morbid and serious topics.
* ] is an evil form of ], often connected with ]. *] is an evil form of ], often connected with ].
* A ] is a list of undesirable persons or entities (to be placed on the list is said to be "blacklisted", or alternatively "blackballed"). *A ] is a list of undesirable persons or entities (to be placed on the list is said to be "blacklisted", or alternatively "blackballed").
* Evil witches are stereotypically dressed in black and good fairies in white. Melodrama villains are dressed in black and heroines in white dresses. In many ], bad cowboys wear ]s while the good ones wear white. Funeral dress is black, wedding gowns are white. *Evil witches are stereotypically dressed in black and good fairies in white. Melodrama villains are dressed in black and heroines in white dresses. In many ], bad cowboys wear ]s while the good ones wear white. Funeral dress is black, wedding gowns are white.
* In ], a ] is an attacker with evil intentions, while a ] bears no such ill will. (This is derived from the ] convention.) *In ], a ] is an attacker with evil intentions, while a ] bears no such ill will. (This is derived from the ] convention.)
* The ] is used to denote the trade of illegal goods, or alternatively the illegal trade of otherwise legal items at considerably higher prices. *The ] is used to denote the trade of illegal goods, or alternatively the illegal trade of otherwise legal items at considerably higher prices.
* ] is illegal and is perceived as immoral. *] is illegal and is perceived as immoral.
* The ] of the family is the ne'er-do-well. *The ] of the family is the ne'er-do-well.
* The infamous "]." *The infamous "]."
* Black thoughts are wicked ones.{{fact}} *Black thoughts are wicked ones.{{fact}}
* A black mood is a bad one (e.g. ]'s depression, which he called "my black dog").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianethicstoday.com/Issue/016/Dancing%20with%20the%20Black%20Dog%20By%20Hal%20Haralson_016_7_.htm|title=Dancing with the Black Dog|author=Hal Haralson|work=christianethicstoday.com|accessdate=2006-11-10}}</ref> *A black mood is a bad one (e.g. ]'s depression, which he called "my black dog").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianethicstoday.com/Issue/016/Dancing%20with%20the%20Black%20Dog%20By%20Hal%20Haralson_016_7_.htm|title=Dancing with the Black Dog|author=Hal Haralson|work=christianethicstoday.com|accessdate=2006-11-10}}</ref>
* A black cat is ] considered bad luck and linked with death. *A black cat is ] considered bad luck and linked with death.
* If you sink the black eight-ball in billiards before all others are out of play, you lose. (The ball with which you sink all others is the white ].) However, sinking the black ball on the opening shot results in an automatic win. *If you sink the black eight-ball in billiards before all others are out of play, you lose (The ball with which you sink all others is the white ]). However, sinking the black ball on the opening shot results in an automatic win.
* A black mark against you is a bad thing.{{fact}} *A black mark against you is a bad thing.{{fact}}
* A black-hearted person is mean and unloving.{{fact}} *A black-hearted person is mean and unloving.
* ] is the use of known falsehoods, partial truths, or masquerades in propaganda to confuse an opponent. *] is the use of known falsehoods, partial truths, or masquerades in propaganda to confuse an opponent.
* ], also known as the Black Plague, was a pandemic in Europe which killed tens of millions of people. *], also known as the Black Plague, was a pandemic in Europe which killed tens of millions of people.


=== Positive symbolism === ===Positive symbolism===
* In the ] tribes of ] and ], the colour black is associated with rain clouds, becoming a symbol of life and prosperity. *In the ] tribes of ] and ], the color black is associated with rain clouds, becoming a symbol of life and prosperity.
* Black was also the colour of the ] dynasty of ] ]s, and that's why black is frequently used in flags of Arab-Muslim countries *Black was also the color of the ] dynasty of ] ]s, and that's why black is frequently used in flags of Arab-Muslim countries
* In Western ], black is considered reliably stylish. This seems to be for reasons of contrast with the light skin (conversely, white t-shirts or suits are often stylish among dark-skinned people.) *In Western ], black is considered reliably stylish. This seems to be for reasons of contrast with the light skin (conversely, white t-shirts or suits are often stylish among dark-skinned people.)
** The colloquialism "]" is a reference to the latest trend or fad, on the basis that black is always fashionable. **The colloquialism "]" is a reference to the latest trend or fad, on the basis that black is always fashionable.
* Black can also be seen as the colour of prestige: for example, ]s are usually in black, and black tuxedos are worn at ] functions. *Black can also be seen as the color of prestige: for example, ]s are usually in black, and black tuxedos are worn at ] functions.
* The band ] sang "Back in Black", a song about being successful and ambitious once again. *The band ] sang "Back in Black", a song about being successful and ambitious once again.
* Black is seen as a colour of seriousness and authority. *Black is seen as a color of seriousness and authority.
** Many ]s of the older ]s traditionally wear black. **Many ]s of the older ]s traditionally wear black.
** ]s and ]s often wear black robes, as do ] graduates (see ]). **]s and ]s often wear black robes, as do ] graduates (see ]).
** The '']'' ("blacks" after their uniform) are the riot control units of the ] **The '']'' ("blacks" after their uniform) are the riot control units of the ]
** Traditionally, ] vehicles ("]s") were in black and white. **Traditionally, ] vehicles ("]s") were in black and white.
*] is the senior Highland Regiment of the ]. *] is the senior Highland Regiment of the ].
*To say one's accounts are "in the black" is used to mean that one is free of debt. *To say one's accounts are "in the black" is used to mean that one is free of debt.
** (Being "in the red" is to be in debt—in traditional bookkeeping, negative amounts, such as costs, were printed in red ink, and positive amounts, like ], were printed in black ink, so that if "the bottom line" is printed in black, the firm is profiting.) **(Being "in the red" is to be in debt—in traditional bookkeeping, negative amounts, such as costs, were printed in red ink, and positive amounts, like ], were printed in black ink, so that if "the bottom line" is printed in black, the firm is profiting.)
*The highest rank in any ] is a black belt. *The highest rank in any ] is a black belt.
*] Perfects wore black (Cathars viewed black as a colour of perfection). *] Perfects wore black (Cathars viewed black as a colour of perfection).


=== Neutral symbolism === ===Neutral symbolism===
*The term black is often used in the ] to denote ] for persons whose ] ranges from light to darker shades of ]. For a discussion of usage, see the main entry at ] and ]. *The term black is often used in the ] to denote ] for persons whose ] ranges from light to darker shades of ]. For a discussion of usage, see the main entry at ] and ].
* In arguments, things can be ], meaning that the issue at hand is ]. However, this dualism is fraught with danger, as one may assign the colours "black and white" to bad and good, respectively. Also, few arguments have only two opposing sides. *In arguments, things can be ], meaning that the issue at hand is ]. However, this dualism is fraught with danger, as one may assign the colors "black and white" to bad and good, respectively. Also, few arguments have only two opposing sides.
* Black frequently symbolizes ], ], and the unknown. *Black frequently symbolizes ], ], and the unknown.
** A '']'' is any device whose internal workings are unknown or inexplicable. **A '']'' is any device whose internal workings are unknown or inexplicable.
** A ''black project'' is a secretive project, like ], other classified military programs or operations, ], or police ]s. **A ''black project'' is a secretive project, like ], other classified military programs or operations, ], or police ]s.
** The ]s were Italian Fascist militias (negative for anti-fascists, but presumably positive for the original fascists themselves) **The ]s were Italian Fascist militias (negative for anti-fascists, but presumably positive for the original fascists themselves)
** Some organizations are called "black" when they keep a low profile, like ] and ]. **Some organizations are called "black" when they keep a low profile, like ] and ].
* From ] until his death in the ] ], ] driver ] was famous for driving a black ]. *From ] until his death in the ] ], ] driver ] was famous for driving a black ].
* The term "]" is applied to ] ]s. This term is metaphorical in the extreme, because few properties of black objects or black voids apply to black holes. However, light emitted within a black hole's ] cannot escape, hence a black hole cannot be directly observed. *The term "]" is applied to ] ]s. This term is metaphorical in the extreme, because few properties of black objects or black voids apply to black holes. However, light emitted within a black hole's ] cannot escape, hence a black hole cannot be directly observed.
* The national ] team of ] is called the '']'', in reference to their black outfits. *The national ] team of ] is called the '']'', in reference to their black outfits.
* ] ] traditionally wear all-black uniforms, however nowadays other uniform colours may also be worn. *] ] traditionally wear all-black uniforms, however nowadays other uniform colors may also be worn.
* In ], a black ] signals a certain driver to go into the pits. *In ], a black ] signals a certain driver to go into the pits.
* Black is also used for ], sometimes split in diagonal with other colours for further symbolism. The plain black flag is explained as the opposite of a white flag signalling surrender. It is also sometimes an anarchist dress code, with a practical benefit of not attracting attention and making later identification of a subject difficult. This strategy referred to as a ]. *Black is also used for ], sometimes split in diagonal with other colors for further symbolism. The plain black flag is explained as the opposite of a white flag signalling surrender. It is also sometimes an anarchist dress code, with a practical benefit of not attracting attention and making later identification of a subject difficult. This strategy referred to as a ].
* ] is a style of music including bands such as ] and the early works of ]. *] is a style of music including bands such as ] and the early works of ].
* In ] politics, black is the party colour of the ]. *In ] politics, black is the party color of the ].
* In ancient ], black was the symbol of ''North'' and ''Water'', one of the main five colours. There is no negative or positive meaning associated with it. *In ancient ], black was the symbol of ''North'' and ''Water'', one of the main five colors. There is no negative or positive meaning associated with it.
* A polished black mirror is used for ], and is thought to help see into the ] world without interference or distraction. *A polished black mirror is used for ], and is thought to help see into the ] world without interference or distraction.
* Members of the modern ] dress predominantly in black. *Members of the modern ] dress predominantly in black.
* Many performers of ] or other "serious" art music dress in all-black clothes for a ] or ]. *Many performers of ] or other "serious" art music dress in all-black clothes for a ] or ].
* A large number of sports teams have uniforms designed with black colours - many feeling the colour sometimes imparts a psychological advantage in its wearers. Among the more famous (or infamous) include the ] and ] of the ], the ] of the ], and ] of the ] of the ]. *A large number of sports teams have uniforms designed with black colors - many feeling the color sometimes imparts a psychological advantage in its wearers. Among the more famous (or infamous) include the ] and ] of the ], the ] of the ], and ] of the ] of the ].


==Black pigments== ==Black pigments==
* ] *]
* ] *]
* ] *]
* ] *]
* Mars black *Mars black


==References== ==References==
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==See also== ==See also==
*] *]
{{web colors|colour}} {{web colors|color}}


{{Spoken Misplaced Pages|black.ogg|2005-08-16}} {{Spoken Misplaced Pages|black.ogg|2005-08-16}}

Revision as of 16:02, 14 November 2006

This article is about the color black. For other uses, see Black (disambiguation).
Black
 
About these coordinates     Color coordinates
Hex triplet#000000
sRGB (r, g, b)(0, 0, 0)
HSV (h, s, v)(0°, 0%, 0%)
CIELChuv (L, C, h)(0, 0, 0°)
Source
B: Normalized to (byte)

Black is the color of things that do not reflect light of any parts of the visible spectrum.

More accurately, black contains all the colors of the visible spectrum and is sometimes described as an achromatic color.

Color or light

In physics, a black body is a perfect absorber of light, but by a rule derived by Einstein it is also, when heated, the best emitter. Thus, the best radiative cooling, out of sunlight, is by using black paint, though it is important that it be black (a nearly perfect absorber) in the infrared as well.

In elementary science far Ultraviolet light is called "black light" because, unseen (per se), it causes many minerals and other substances to fluoresce. It's a tint

Usage, symbolism, colloquial expressions

This article may contain unverified or indiscriminate information in embedded lists. Please help clean up the lists by removing items or incorporating them into the text of the article.

In the Western world, black is most often used with a negative connotation. The reasons for this are various, but the most widely accepted explanations are that night is experienced by humans as negative and dangerous. A secondary reason is that stains are most visible as dark additions to pale materials. In traditional class-based Western cultures "pale" skin indicated genteel domestic or intellectual indoor-work as opposed to rough outdoor labor in the fields. Aspects of this black/white opposition are not unique to the West, as, for example in the Indian varna system. African, Afro-Caribbean and African-American writers such as Frantz Fanon, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Ralph Ellison in particular identify a number of negative symbolisms surrounding the word "black", arguing that the good vs. bad dualism associated with white and black provide prejudiced connotations to color metaphors for race.

  • Black people
  • Black hair
  • Black July killing of the Tamil population by the Sinhalese government
  • A "black day", in these cultures, would refer to a sad or tragic day. The Romans already marked fasti days with white stones and nefasti days with black.
  • Many poems and songs use the word black negatively (e.g. "Paint It Black" (Rolling Stones), "Baby's In Black" (Beatles), "Black Eyed Dog" (Nick Drake), " Fade to Black" (Metallica).
  • In English heraldry, black means darkness, doubt, ignorance, and uncertainty. (The American Girls Handy Book, p. 370)
  • Black is often a color of mourning. Historically, widows and widowers were often expected to wear black.
  • Black comedy is a form of comedy dealing with morbid and serious topics.
  • Black magic is an evil form of magic, often connected with death.
  • A blacklist is a list of undesirable persons or entities (to be placed on the list is said to be "blacklisted", or alternatively "blackballed").
  • Evil witches are stereotypically dressed in black and good fairies in white. Melodrama villains are dressed in black and heroines in white dresses. In many Hollywood Westerns, bad cowboys wear black hats while the good ones wear white. Funeral dress is black, wedding gowns are white.
  • In computer security, a blackhat is an attacker with evil intentions, while a whitehat bears no such ill will. (This is derived from the Western convention.)
  • The black market is used to denote the trade of illegal goods, or alternatively the illegal trade of otherwise legal items at considerably higher prices.
  • Blackmail is illegal and is perceived as immoral.
  • The black sheep of the family is the ne'er-do-well.
  • The infamous "black hole of Calcutta."
  • Black thoughts are wicked ones.
  • A black mood is a bad one (e.g. Winston Churchill's depression, which he called "my black dog").
  • A black cat is superstitiously considered bad luck and linked with death.
  • If you sink the black eight-ball in billiards before all others are out of play, you lose (The ball with which you sink all others is the white cue ball). However, sinking the black ball on the opening shot results in an automatic win.
  • A black mark against you is a bad thing.
  • A black-hearted person is mean and unloving.
  • Black propaganda is the use of known falsehoods, partial truths, or masquerades in propaganda to confuse an opponent.
  • Black Death, also known as the Black Plague, was a pandemic in Europe which killed tens of millions of people.

Positive symbolism

  • In the Maasai tribes of Kenya and Tanzania, the color black is associated with rain clouds, becoming a symbol of life and prosperity.
  • Black was also the color of the Arab dynasty of Abbasid caliphs, and that's why black is frequently used in flags of Arab-Muslim countries
  • In Western fashion, black is considered reliably stylish. This seems to be for reasons of contrast with the light skin (conversely, white t-shirts or suits are often stylish among dark-skinned people.)
    • The colloquialism "the new black" is a reference to the latest trend or fad, on the basis that black is always fashionable.
  • Black can also be seen as the color of prestige: for example, limousines are usually in black, and black tuxedos are worn at black tie functions.
  • The band AC/DC sang "Back in Black", a song about being successful and ambitious once again.
  • Black is seen as a color of seriousness and authority.
  • Black Watch is the senior Highland Regiment of the British Army.
  • To say one's accounts are "in the black" is used to mean that one is free of debt.
    • (Being "in the red" is to be in debt—in traditional bookkeeping, negative amounts, such as costs, were printed in red ink, and positive amounts, like revenues, were printed in black ink, so that if "the bottom line" is printed in black, the firm is profiting.)
  • The highest rank in any martial art is a black belt.
  • Cathar Perfects wore black (Cathars viewed black as a colour of perfection).

Neutral symbolism

  • The term black is often used in the West to denote race for persons whose skin color ranges from light to darker shades of brown. For a discussion of usage, see the main entry at Black (people) and Color metaphors for race.
  • In arguments, things can be black-and-white, meaning that the issue at hand is dichotomized. However, this dualism is fraught with danger, as one may assign the colors "black and white" to bad and good, respectively. Also, few arguments have only two opposing sides.
  • Black frequently symbolizes ambiguity, secrecy, and the unknown.
  • From 1988 until his death in the 2001 Daytona 500, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt was famous for driving a black Chevrolet.
  • The term "black hole" is applied to collapsed stars. This term is metaphorical in the extreme, because few properties of black objects or black voids apply to black holes. However, light emitted within a black hole's event horizon cannot escape, hence a black hole cannot be directly observed.
  • The national rugby team of New Zealand is called the All Blacks, in reference to their black outfits.
  • Association football (soccer) referees traditionally wear all-black uniforms, however nowadays other uniform colors may also be worn.
  • In auto racing, a black flag signals a certain driver to go into the pits.
  • Black is also used for anarchist symbolism, sometimes split in diagonal with other colors for further symbolism. The plain black flag is explained as the opposite of a white flag signalling surrender. It is also sometimes an anarchist dress code, with a practical benefit of not attracting attention and making later identification of a subject difficult. This strategy referred to as a black bloc.
  • Black metal is a style of music including bands such as Celtic Frost and the early works of Burzum.
  • In Portuguese politics, black is the party color of the Leftwing Bloc.
  • In ancient China, black was the symbol of North and Water, one of the main five colors. There is no negative or positive meaning associated with it.
  • A polished black mirror is used for scrying, and is thought to help see into the paranormal world without interference or distraction.
  • Members of the modern Goth subculture dress predominantly in black.
  • Many performers of classical or other "serious" art music dress in all-black clothes for a concert or recital.
  • A large number of sports teams have uniforms designed with black colors - many feeling the color sometimes imparts a psychological advantage in its wearers. Among the more famous (or infamous) include the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, and Inter Milan of the Serie A of the Italian soccer leagues.

Black pigments

References

  1. Hal Haralson. "Dancing with the Black Dog". christianethicstoday.com. Retrieved 2006-11-10.

See also

Web colors
Hexadecimal
White
Gray/Grey
Red
Yellow
Lime
Aqua/Cyan
Blue
Fuchsia/Magenta
Silver
Black
Maroon
Olive
Green
Teal
Navy blue
Purple
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