Definition

The act of forcibly taking people from the Pacific Islands to work on plantations, often against their will.

Example

The history of blackbirding in Australia is a dark chapter involving the exploitation of many islanders.

Conversation

Have you heard about the history of blackbirding in Australia?

Yeah, it's really tragic how many people were taken for forced labor.

I read that it mostly affected the Pacific Islanders, which is so sad.

Absolutely, it's important to remember those stories and the impact they had.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Blackbirding is formed from "black" (from Old English "blæc", meaning dark or the color black) and "bird" (from Old English "brid", meaning a young bird or chick). The term refers to the practice of capturing and transporting blackbirds, but historically it has also been used to describe the coercion of Pacific Islanders into labor, drawing a connection to the color black and the term bird as a metaphor for the people involved.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'black' representing darkness and 'bird' referring to a young bird, which helps you remember that 'blackbirding' relates to the capturing of blackbirds or, in a historical context, the forced labor of people.

Visually Confused Words