ashy

adjective

Etymology

Developed from a meaning of the adjective ashy, which is recorded earlier in other varieties of English describing things with a pale, ash-like color, and used in African American English to describe dry skin with reference to the its pale color and rough texture. See OED ashy, adj. 3a. Compare OED ashy, adj., Additions.

Meaning & use

  1. 2000–Describing skin that is dry and has a gray or whitish appearance.
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    2000
    And there was Emmie Ranger who over-powdered until her dark-brown skin was ashy gray.
    Studies: Irish Quarterly Review 89 245
    2001
    His head was big an' nappy, an' ashy wus his skin.
    St. Petersburg Florida Times Nexis 22 April 1b
    2002
    I have very ashy dry skin, especially during the winter.
    F. BroughtonB. Brewster How to DJ (Properly) 180
    2008
    He drew a little negro boy into the room, then retreated, leaving the child standing alone in the full glow of the firelight. He was a forlorn object, his ashy skin dry and withered.
    S. Gray Coda 155
    2015
    Ashy refers to the whitish coloration of black skin due to exposure to the Hawk (cold and wind).
    Church Times 30 January 13/1
    2015
    Bernie and me and our ashy knees.
    M. F. Moore G. Nuzzi Merchants in Temple ii. 30
    2022
    Runaway, from Mr. Henry Edwards, of Stafford County, on the 9th inst., a negro boy named JOE. —Said boy is 18 years old, about five feet high, rather slender, has sharp features, ashy skin, high cheek bones, with large white eyes, and pleasing countenance when spoken to.
    Scottish Daily Mail Nexis 22 April
    2022
    NBA superstar Kevin Durant has found himself at the receiving end of more than a few in his time, with the most recent jabs referring to his ashy ankles.
    Sydney Morning Herald Online edition Nexis 29 August
    2024
    Dark or Brown Skin Can Be Made Whiter. Pimples and blackheads can be removed—rough and "ashy" skin can be made soft as velvet.
    A. Pommerening Continuous Cover Forestry ii. 68