What do black people think when they hear the word "chocolate"?

Question

A friend just told me that I have to be careful about using the word "chocolate" (as well as the word "dark") because both have different meanings to black Americans than they do to white Americans. He suggested that these different meanings are sexual in nature, but wouldn't go into details. Since my friend is black, I assume he knows what he's talking about, but I've never heard such a thing.

I grant you I have heard instances of "chocolate" being used as a synonym for black people (like the infamous quote about making New Orleans into a "chocolate city"), but this is in a specific context, not a casual reference. My friend implied that a sentence like, "I think dark is the best kind of chocolate," even though it does not appear to be using a double meaning, would be dangerous if spoken to black people.

Any insight you might be able to give me would be wonderful. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm a 39 year old African American woman. I understand what your friend was trying to say. However, he should have been more specific. Caucasian men have used chocolate as a sexual inuendo during conversation. Basically letting me know that "they like their coffee black" or "I like chocolate milkshakes" or in your example, the person was saying that they like dark skinned black women/men. That said, this is during a specific type of conversation (ex: man trying to "pick up" a lady). Black people will not be offended just because someone said they like chocolate.

Since we're on the subject, I don't recommend that you call a grown African American male a boy or an adult African American woman a "gal." Those ARE fightin' words.

Answer 2

I think thats stupid, its like if I were to say, "i like salted crackers," or ,"i like crackers," that itd be offensive to a white person, which i totally dont think is offensive at all, i think that it does depend on the context of what the conversation is, as long as you dont say that you "hate chocolate" and give a black person an evil look then i think youll be ok, honestly though i wouldnt feel offended, and im sure most black people wouldnt either.

Answer 3

Your friend is right; the term "chocolate" can be used in a playful, flirty or even sexual manner. However, I don't think it would be "dangerous" to use around us. I think we are intelligent enough to recognize the subtle differences.

Answer 4

Give me a break, unless it was said in a demeaning way, it wouldnt be taken in a demeaning way. That word has been around since long before being politically correct became the new hang-up.

Answer 5

It's a such thing called, "Ignorant".

Chocolate to most black people is just what it is....a flavor.

Answer 6

You're friend must be really insecure. If I said something about dark chocolate, I would be thinking about the FOOD.

Answer 7

Do you think just because they are black they are dangerous? Are they dangerous if you say chocolate? If that offends them,then they are dangerous.

Answer 8

I would think the same as any other nationality, that it stands for candy or a flavor of something sweet.

Answer 9

Mmmm shocolateee

Answer 10

man dont worry yo i say alot of thing to black ppl they dont care if u know them just be carefull but chochoet is nothin