cotton-picking

adjective

cot·​ton-pick·​ing ˈkä-tᵊn-ˌpi-kiŋ How to pronounce cotton-picking (audio)
-ˌpi-kən
offensive
: damned
used as an intensive or as a generalized expression of disapproval

Note: Widely considered offensive, the adjective cotton-picking is seen as belittling labor that millions of Black people were forced to do in the southern United States from the late 18th century and into the 20th century, first as enslaved people and later as sharecroppers.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cotton-picking was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near cotton-picking

Cite this Entry

“Cotton-picking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton-picking. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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