Can I say Spooky?
Spooky is no longer accepted as a respectful Hallowe’en word, and here's why.
By Jude Goodwin
As Halloween approaches, decorations like skeletons, witch hats, and spider webs fill homes and stores across the country, and the word "spooky" seems to capture the holiday’s eerie spirit. However, this term, though often used innocuously, carries a complex history that may surprise people.
This morning I was surfing my Facebook, checking up on friends and events, when I came across a post by a liquor store advertising a tequila tasting afternoon. The ad was a typical black and purple graphic with spider webs and skeletons and aross the top was Let’s Get Spooky! To my surprise, one of the commenters accused the shop of racism.
Whenever I come across something like this, my first reaction is to get educated! So I’ve done the research and here’s the result: No, you can’t say spooky, not anymore.
The Meaning and History of "Spooky"
The word “spook” has several meanings, from "ghost" or "specter" to “undercover agent” and originated from the Dutch word “spook,” which translates to “apparition.” First used in English during the 19th century, "spooky" initially described things that caused mild fear or surprise.
However, “spook” became associated with a racial slur used against Black Americans during World War II. White American soldiers started calling Black pilots trained at the Tuskegee Institute the "Spookwaffe," playing on the German term "waffe," meaning "weapon" or "air force." After the war, “spook” continued and grew as a racial slur against Black Americans. This derogatory usage spread, and the word's association with Blackness became embedded in its meaning.
Of course, these were American soldiers, and the word may not have developed as a slur elsewhere in the world. It’s probably safe to assume, however, that use of the word ‘spook’ in a racist manner has spread globally over the 8 decades since.
And it gets even more complicated.
Black and White
The use of "spook" as a racial slur reflects a broader linguistic pattern where the word “black” is associated with negative or ominous meanings, while “white” is linked to purity, goodness, or innocence. This black-versus-white dichotomy in language isn't coincidental; it reflects historical biases embedded in English over centuries. Words like "blacklist," "blackmail," or "black sheep" implicitly tie blackness to harmful qualities, while terms like "white lie" or "whitelisted" convey harmlessness or approval. Such contrasts reveal how language can perpetuate societal hierarchies and implicit biases, often without speakers being aware of the original context or implications.
You might have thought the use of ‘black’ referred to night, darkness, and the absence of light, which humans often link to fear and the unknown. Historically, before artificial lighting, nighttime brought about natural dangers and a lack of visibility, which created an association of blackness with uncertainty, risk, and even fear.
But while these associations originally stemmed from natural cycles of day and night, they gradually acquired social and racial dimensions, especially during eras of colonial expansion and racial classification, where “black” came to signify undesirable traits and “white” the opposite. This shift shows how language, though rooted in neutral concepts like light and dark, can evolve to reflect and reinforce cultural and societal biases.
And how we must constantly check our personal lexicons!
So what words can I use?
Eerie – Suggests a strange or unsettling atmosphere.
Creepy – Implies a sense of unease or something that makes your skin crawl.
Haunting – Can evoke a lingering, ghostly quality.
Chilling – Refers to something that sends a shiver down your spine.
Sinister – Implies a dark or menacing vibe.
Uncanny – Describes something strangely unsettling or unfamiliar.
Ghostly – Specifically relates to ghosts or apparitions without other connotations.
Macabre – Points to a morbid or death-related atmosphere.
Ominous – Conveys a feeling that something bad or unsettling is about to happen.
Mysterious – Evokes a sense of intrigue or something unknown.
Other Words You’ll Want to Consider Eliminating
Beyond "spooky," there are other words and phrases in common usage which have historical meanings that some may find offensive. Here are a few examples and the reasons why you might want to reconsider their use.
Blackmail, Blacklist, Black Sheep
As mentioned above, these phrases associate “black” with negativity, rooted in historical biases linking Blackness to bad qualities. Alternatives like “denylist” are now used in fields like technology to remove racial connotations.Anything related to Indigenous Culture and Traditions
These can include ‘spirit animal,’ ‘powow,’ ‘tribe,’ ‘rain dance,’ and ‘lowest on the totem pole.’ Terms like these are taken from indigenous cultures where they have deep spiritual significance. Using them casually will trivialize their importance in indigenous traditions.Savage
Historically used by European colonizers to label Indigenous peoples and people of color as uncivilized, this word’s resurgence in slang overlooks its colonial roots.Gypped
Derived from “Gypsy,” this word has been used as a slur against the Roma people, implying dishonesty. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Roma communities.Crippled, Lame, Dumb
Once common in describing physical disabilities, these terms are now considered ableist. They perpetuate harmful views about people with disabilities.Grandfathered In
Originally part of a “grandfather clause” that restricted voting rights for Black Americans, this term has a racist legacy tied to voter suppression. Today, alternatives like “exempted” serve the same purpose without the historical burden.
Language carries layers of history that may not be immediately visible. As we become more aware of these histories, revisiting the words we use can show respect for others’ experiences and backgrounds.
Yes, it can seem challenging at times, and yes, there will be occasions where you are called out on a term you might have used innocently enough. It helps to remember that it’s not ‘personal.’ We all make mistakes and from those mistakes we learn.
Now I have to go. I need to double check all the content on What’s On Queer BC to make sure I haven’t used the word ‘spooky’ inappropriately! Have a great Hallowe’en!