An alphabetical list of alternative vocabulary suggestions to help challenge and break down the culturally entrenched idea of “dark”/”black” as negative.

Scroll down to see the list.

Across different genres, writers often use the word “dark” or “black” to describe something that actually has some kind of negative or unpleasant connotations. For example, one is familiar with the phrase “dark humour” or “black comedy”.I’ve seen this usages in film and art reviews and in fiction, including novels, comics, children's fiction and poetry.

As a child, I remember my English teacher asking us to stop using the word, “nice” and challenging us to find more interesting vocabulary.

The idea of light as “good” and darkness as “bad” is so deeply entrenched, that some people may be surprised to even consider this.

As I have lighter-skin privilege, I wanted to encourage other light-skinned people consider white supremacist beauty ideals and how they trickle down to describing negative/ deathly aspects. I wrote a blog piece challenging the notion of dark/ black monsters in films/ shows.

A point to consider also is that I’m using some stock images provided by my website builder and it seems to me that there are far more images using darkness to convey something a bit spooky/scary/sad than to represent energy. I think this is because (I suspect) that the majority of the photographers who use the Unsplash site are white/have lighter skin.

Am I grateful for their beautiful images? For sure!

Could there be more more exploration of lighter colours/white to explore negative concepts? I think so.

Actually, darkness, the dark and the colour black could represent many positive and beautiful things including: creativity, night, rest, earth, sophistication, sleekness, the vast splendour of space, mystery, emotional depth (among other things).

Dark hues and black can be immensely rich (mixing with other colours), magical and energetic - ranging from calming to power, knowledge and magnificence. When used with lighter/ brighter colours, there is a striking contrast and I would also say that the darker colours have a considerable and overlooked value in creating the space for the brighter/colours to appear vividly - in fact they are both in their own way, vivid - full of life.

Arguably, colours could also represent magic, energy, calm, power etc as well. But that’s my point - that the representations are cultural constructions anyway. While there are a few associations (shadows for example) which writers and artists might use to associate the idea of darkness with the idea of foreboding, actually this is also cultural. On a swelteringly hot day, one is glad to find shade. (By the way the UK is increasingly becoming very hot… thanks to climate change). A shadow’s appearance changes depending on the light and the angle. The leaves of trees create interesting and fascinating shadows.

I feel like the word “dark” can be handy for describing something that is for example sad or disturbing but the writer doesn’t want to be too direct about it. That connects to some thoughts about content notes (for another time…) I do also feel the symbolism of “dark clouds” or “dark path” yet at the same time, I think like language trends, it’s possible to reflect on this and shift it. For example, friends and students have told me they prefer dark mode for their screens - a term for a setting that changes your device background from light to dark. (More info here).

Dark mode - Stock image by Sten Ritterfeld

When you think about it, there are quite a few other options regarding vocabulary!

Here’s the list of 25 alternative words to use instead of dark/black when describing negative aspects in art, book, films, tv shows, music etc:

Chilling

Creepy

Distorted

Disturbing

Gothic

Grim

Grotesque

Haunting

Horrifying

Intense

Macabre

Menacing

Moody

Murderous

Perverse

Sad

Sorrowful

Scary

Sinister

Shocking

Terrifying

Tragic

Twisted

Unsettling

Warped

I find that when I am faced with a new idea, or suggestion or request for change, a lot of feelings can arise such as resistance and irritation. My intention is to raise awareness. I am inviting you to consider the idea, perhaps discuss it with someone and then, if you feel inspired - there are so many alternative words from which to choose!

Thanks for reading. Perhaps you might think of additional words? Feel free to share this list!

Why I wrote this:

I’m a multidisciplinary project-based artist. I often read film and book reviews to understand more about the media before choosing to dive into it. Often due to the energy levels and neurodivergence (even if I like the sound of it) the review may be as far as I get. Therefore, I am very grateful for the reviews. I also read poetry and am beginning to read fiction and comics again after a hiatus.

The Weird & Wonderful Surviveries of Squid Horse - available now from Juniper by the Sea - the UK's 1st ESEA bookshop.

Home

25 alternative words to use instead of dark/black when describing negative aspects in art, book, films, tv shows and music

An alphabetical list of alternative vocabulary suggestions to help challenge and break down the culturally entrenched idea of “dark”/”black” as negative.

Here’s the list of 25 alternative words to use instead of dark/black when describing negative aspects in art, book, films, tv shows, music etc: