Blackball vs. Blacklist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Blackball is to reject someone from a group, while blacklist is a list of entities being denied or sanctioned.
Difference Between Blackball and Blacklist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Blackball and blacklist are terms both denoting rejection, but they operate differently. To blackball means to reject or ostracize someone, especially within a group or club. Conversely, a blacklist represents a list of people, entities, or items that are being denied certain privileges, rights, or access.
In traditional club voting, members might use white and black balls to approve or disapprove an applicant. A single black ball could deny the applicant's entry, which is where the term "blackball" originates. Blacklists, on the other hand, can be seen in professional environments where certain individuals are barred from participation due to various reasons.
It's possible for someone to be blackballed from a specific social circle because of personal disagreements or disputes. Meanwhile, entities might create blacklists for a myriad of reasons, including security concerns or ethical stances, denying certain people or companies access to opportunities.
In the digital age, to blackball someone can extend to social media, where a person can be collectively shunned by an online community. Simultaneously, blacklists are prevalent in IT, where they prevent unauthorized users or malicious software from gaining access.
Fraternities, sororities, and exclusive clubs might use a blackball system during membership deliberations, ensuring unanimous acceptance. A blacklist, however, is more systematic and can be applied to broader contexts, like a country blacklisting companies that don't adhere to certain ethical standards.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To reject or ostracize someone, especially within a group.
A list of people/entities denied certain privileges.
Usage
Verb.
Noun.
Context
Social circles, clubs, fraternities.
Professional environments, IT, trade.
Level of Formality
Often informal and can be symbolic.
More formal and systematic.
Associated Connotation
Personal disagreements or exclusivity.
Security concerns, ethical stances, or sanctions.
Compare with Definitions
Blackball
To shun or avoid.
The community chose to blackball the shop because of its unethical practices.
Blacklist
A list of people or entities to be avoided or distrusted.
The company had a blacklist of suppliers that violated environmental standards.
Blackball
To deny membership in a group or club.
She was blackballed from the sorority because of rumors.
Blacklist
A list of people or items viewed with suspicion or disapproval.
Several authors found their books on the school's blacklist.
Blackball
To vote against allowing someone into an organization.
He was surprised when the board chose to blackball him.
Blacklist
A list of those denied specific privileges or services.
Due to repeated offenses, he was put on the airline's blacklist.
Blackball
To ostracize or exclude from a group.
After the scandal, the actor was blackballed from several film circles.
Blacklist
A database of banned or undesired entities.
The IT department keeps a blacklist of malicious websites.
Blackball
A negative vote, especially one that blocks the admission of an applicant to an organization.
Blacklist
A list of those under suspicion or disfavor.
Actors who voiced unpopular opinions were often added to the Hollywood blacklist.
Blackball
A small black ball used as a negative ballot.
Blacklist
A list of persons or organizations that have incurred disapproval or suspicion or are to be boycotted or otherwise penalized.
Blackball
To vote against, especially to veto the admission of.
Blacklist
A list of email addresses, IP addresses, domains, or keywords, that are expressly blocked by an email account.
Blackball
To shut out from social or commercial participation; ostracize or boycott.
Blacklist
To place on or as if on a blacklist.
Blackball
(countable) A rejection; a vote against admitting someone.
Blacklist
A list or set of people or entities to be shunned or banned.
The software included a lengthy blacklist of disreputable websites to block.
Blackball
(countable) A black ball used to indicate such a negative vote.
Regardless how many other people may have voted to approve a candidate for membership, a single blackball will reject the candidate.
Blacklist
(transitive) To place on a blacklist; to mark a person or entity as one to be shunned or banned.
You can blacklist known spammers with that button.
Blackball
(countable) A kind of large black sweet; a niggerball.
Blacklist
A list of people who are out of favor
Blackball
A substance for blacking shoes, boots, etc. or for taking impressions of engraved work.
Blacklist
Put on a blacklist so as to banish or cause to be boycotted;
Many books were blacklisted by the Nazis
Blackball
(uncountable) A game, a standardized version of the English version of eight-ball.
Reds and yellows
Blackball
(transitive) To vote against, especially in an exclusive organization.
If you're not from a moneyed, well-connected family, you can count on getting blackballed from the fraternity.
Blackball
(transitive) To ostracize.
Blackball
A composition for blacking shoes, boots, etc.; also, one for taking impressions of engraved work.
Blackball
A ball of black color, esp. one used as a negative in voting; - in this sense usually two words.
Blackball
To vote against, by putting a black ball into a ballot box; to reject or exclude, as by voting against with black balls; to ostracize.
He was blackballed at two clubs in succession.
Blackball
To blacken (leather, shoes, etc.) with blacking.
Blackball
The act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto
Blackball
Expel from a community or group
Blackball
Vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent;
The President vetoed the bill
Blackball
To reject someone, typically by voting against them.
The committee decided to blackball the new applicant due to his past behavior.
Common Curiosities
Is "blackball" used in professional contexts?
It's more common in social or club settings, but can apply to professional circles too.
Are blacklists only negative?
Generally, yes. Being on a blacklist denotes denial, sanction, or distrust.
Can a company be blacklisted?
Yes, companies can be blacklisted for various reasons, such as violating standards or ethical practices.
Is "blackball" always about voting?
No, while it can refer to a voting system, it also means to shun or exclude someone.
How does one get removed from a blacklist?
It varies by context, but often involves addressing the reasons for blacklisting.
Are blacklists legal?
It depends on the context and jurisdiction. Some blacklists, especially those that violate rights, can be challenged legally.
Can "blackball" be used outside of club settings?
Yes, it can refer to any situation where someone is ostracized or rejected.
Do both "blackball" and "blacklist" signify rejection?
Yes, "blackball" means to reject or ostracize someone, while "blacklist" is a list of entities denied privileges.
Can an individual be blacklisted?
Absolutely. Individuals can be blacklisted from jobs, services, or other opportunities.
Are all blacklists public?
No, some blacklists are private, only known to specific entities or organizations.
How did "blackball" get its name?
Traditionally, club voting used white and black balls, with a black ball symbolizing disapproval or rejection.
Can "blackball" be used in a digital context?
Yes, someone can be blackballed from online communities or platforms.
What's the opposite of "blackball"?
The opposite is to accept or welcome someone into a group.
Is a blackball system always secretive?
Not necessarily, but it can be discreet, especially if aiming for unanimous decisions.
Is "blacklist" a modern term?
While its usage has evolved, blacklisting has historical roots, like the Hollywood blacklist of the 1950s.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
