1. See Mr. Bojangles for the reference to the great dancer Bill Robinson.
2. Again without the hypen, and to correct other definitions here, the song "Mr. Bojangles" was written by Jerry Jeff Walker, and covered most successfully by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1971. The song is not in reference to Bill Robinson, nor is it in reference New Orleans blues musician Babe Stovall.
2. Again without the hypen, and to correct other definitions here, the song "Mr. Bojangles" was written by Jerry Jeff Walker, and covered most successfully by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1971. The song is not in reference to Bill Robinson, nor is it in reference New Orleans blues musician Babe Stovall.
According to Walker, a murder on the 4th July weekend of 1965 precipitated the arrest of all the street people in the area. In the crowded cell, a disheveled homeless old man began to talk to Walker who had been arrested earlier for drunkenness. The man told various stories of his life but the tone darkened after 'Mr. Bo-jangles' recalled his dog who'd been run over. Someone then asked for something to lighten the mood and the man obliged with a tap dance.
Walker mentions that all the men in the cell had nicknames to prevent easy identification by the police. The dancer's nickname was 'Mr. Bojangles.' In his autobiography 'Gypsy Songman,' Walker makes it clear the man he met was white. Further, in an interview with BBC Radio 4 in August 2008 he pointed out that, at the time, the jail cells in New Orleans were segregated along color lines.
Walker mentions that all the men in the cell had nicknames to prevent easy identification by the police. The dancer's nickname was 'Mr. Bojangles.' In his autobiography 'Gypsy Songman,' Walker makes it clear the man he met was white. Further, in an interview with BBC Radio 4 in August 2008 he pointed out that, at the time, the jail cells in New Orleans were segregated along color lines.
by Dan Weyandt August 6, 2009
An African American in showbusiness who has no problem with reinforcing negative racial stereotypes to further their career and standing with the white man.
It means no disrespect to the actual Mr. Bojangles, but casts the image of a black man tapdancing to please his white masters in Hollywood.
It means no disrespect to the actual Mr. Bojangles, but casts the image of a black man tapdancing to please his white masters in Hollywood.
by Reverend Bignutz March 25, 2005
An African American male in showbusiness doing whatever the white man says to become more successful. See also: Aunt Jemima, Uncle Tom.
While derogatory in modern use, the term refers to succesful and groundbreaking 1920's dancer/actor William Robinson, who was nicknamed Bojangles in his vaudeville days. It means no disrespect to the talent and hard work Mr. Robinson put forth to become one of the most important entertainers of all time.
While derogatory in modern use, the term refers to succesful and groundbreaking 1920's dancer/actor William Robinson, who was nicknamed Bojangles in his vaudeville days. It means no disrespect to the talent and hard work Mr. Robinson put forth to become one of the most important entertainers of all time.
by Reverend Bignutz March 25, 2005
Jim: I kne a man Bojangles, and he'd dance for you, in worn out shoes. Silver hair and ragged shirt, the old soft shoes... He jumped so high, then he'd lightly touch down.
by Jon March 25, 2005
(n) A black man with a penis 14" or longer. In most cases, this is used as a weapon, usually a saber. If you are a Mr. Bojangles, or a Bojangle if you will, then you probably could, and will, kick anybody's ass.
Erik Nelson: "I'm so gay, I wish I could be a Bojangle..."
Mr. Bojangles: "Sheit Cracka, I'll kick yo ass with this shit!" And he did.
Mr. Bojangles: "Sheit Cracka, I'll kick yo ass with this shit!" And he did.
by Pimp Master Flex March 30, 2005
by hawk March 25, 2005
(n) A black man with a penis 14" or longer. In most cases, this is used as a weapon, usually a saber. If you are a Mr. Bojangles, or a Bojangle if you will, then you probably could kick anybody's ass.
Erik Nelson: "I'm so gay, I'm wishin' thats I was a Bojangle!"
Mr. Bojangle: "Sheit cracka, I'll kick yo ass." And he did.
Mr. Bojangle: "Sheit cracka, I'll kick yo ass." And he did.
by Pimp Master Flex March 30, 2005
