1 definition by kenbrown59

boot

It is an old derogatory term for African Americans. I think it's derivation comes from 19th to early 20th century "bootblacking," shining shoes, a profession many black men engage in to this day.

When I came into the station waiting room, there was a line of bootblacks, some slapping madly away at the toes of some fine shoes, while others were waiting for their chance at a nickel. I chose an amiable looking colored, fine grey rimmed eyes that enclose the kind of turbid pools you search through for some long lost trinket or prize. I sat down and he harnessed my shoe on his block and he commenced to do his work. His hands and cloth were like machines buzzing over the pointed tips and heels of my shoes. He spoke to me deferentially as was my expectation, because do I really care to know what his ilk thinks the day's weather will be. He grew silent, buffing away, stopped, looked up asked me if I wanted a spit polish. I asked what's that? And he said it made for a capital shine. Thinking about the business that I had that day I considered that a good shine wouldn't be a disadvantage. I agreed. He took a deep gutteral breath, seeming to drag the liquid weight of his lungs into his mouth. He puckered his great, huge red lips and released a generous wad of sputum onto my shoe. I asked him, perturbed: "what is that boy!?"

"It's a spit shine sir," he plaintively answered. And started to rub the glob into my shoe. He whipped the cloth as though my shoe was balky a horse, and when it was done I'd never seen such a shine.

I declared:"Not even new, have I ever had a pair of shoes so beautiful." Boy, you did an excellent, excellent job, much to the recommendation of your employ. I will tell all of the passengers of this train about your good service."

"Thank you sir for your good reference, and please know that I will spit on your shoes whenever you come."

by kenbrown59 August 5, 2005