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yellow bone

(AAVE) A light-skinned person of mixed ethnicity including black.

ˈjɛloʊ ˈboʊnDocumented since 1990s1990sMillennialhistorical165 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1990 · no dated citations yet
1990BornToday, 2026
Millennial / early-internet eraSee decade cohort →

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US
#1·Apr 27, 2026US

(AAVE) A light-skinned person of mixed ethnicity including black.

Origin: From ; compare redbone. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Yellow bone means: A light-skinned person of mixed ethnicity including black.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

yellow bone means: A light-skinned person of mixed ethnicity including black.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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For specific readers

Yellow bone means: A light-skinned person of mixed ethnicity including black.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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