The phrase “blue black” has been used to describe various things throughout history, often referring to a very dark shade of the color blue that appears almost black. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings behind this descriptive color term.
The Origins of “Blue Black”
“Blue black” first started appearing in the English language in the early 17th century. One of the earliest known uses was in 1613 by English poet and playwright Thomas Middleton, who described someone’s hair as “blue black” in color.
In the 18th century, the phrase continued to be used to describe very dark shades of blue. For example, in 1725, British writer Jonathan Swift wrote “Her Hair was a dark blue Black.” The term was likely used to differentiate between regular black and a black color with subtle blue undertones.
By the 1800s, “blue black” became more commonly used as a descriptor for hair and beard color. Novelists like Charles Dickens used it in their writing. For example, in his 1838 novel Oliver Twist, Dickens described one character as having “jet black hair” and another as having “large, bright eyes” which were “blue black in color.”
So the origins of the phrase seem to be as a descriptive color term used by writers to paint vivid images of characters with strikingly dark blue or black hair and eye color.
Meaning and Uses Over Time
While “blue black” originally referred just to hair, eyes, and beard color, over time its meaning expanded to describe other objects as well:
- Ink: By the late 1800s, “blue black” ink was being marketed and referred to ink that was extremely dark blue approaching black.
- Pigments: Pigment colors like blue black iron oxide starting appearing in the early 20th century as very dark blue pigments.
- Technology: In the 1950s and 60s, “blue-black” cathode ray tube screens were developed for oscilloscopes and early computer monitors that showed darker colors.
- Cosmetics: “Blue black” mascara and eye liners were created to provide a intense, dark colored look.
- Fashion: “Blue black” became a popular color description for clothing, shoes, and accessories that were so dark blue they appeared black.
So while it originated as a literary phrase, over the 1900s “blue black” broadened in meaning to become a common color descriptor in trade and marketing.
Blue Black vs. Jet Black
“Blue black” is often used interchangeably with “jet black” to mean an extremely dark black color. However, there are some subtle differences:
- “Blue black” explicitly refers to a black with noticeable blue undertones. It indicates a cool, dark blue shade.
- “Jet black” refers to a pure, neutral black without obvious undertones. It indicates an intensely dark black.
So in summary:
- “Blue black” describes a black color with blue undertone.
- “Jet black” describes the deepest, purest black.
Many everyday black objects can appear “blue black” under certain lighting conditions. However, the term is typically used to emphasize the blue tones within the black color.
Blue Black in Culture
The color blue black has developed many cultural associations over time. Here are some of the more significant ones:
- Hair: Blue black continues to be used to describe very dark hair, especially in fiction. It conveys a striking, raven-like hair color.
- Fashion: In gothic fashion, “blue black” dye for clothes like velvet, lace, and leather conveys a cool, dark elegance.
- Cars: “Blue black” is seen as a luxurious, upscale color in vehicles like limousines and high-end sports cars.
- Jewelry: Onyx, hematite, and obsidian polished to a “blue black” shine are used in jewelry and accessories.
- Makeup: Heavy “blue black” eye makeup creates a dramatic, nocturnal look in goth and punk culture.
So while originally a descriptive term, “blue black” took on cultural symbolism over time, associated with depth, darkness, and intrigue across art, fashion, and design.
Definitions in Image Editing
In digital image editing and graphic design software, “blue black” refers to a specific mixture of colors:
- RGB values = R=0, G=0, B=127
- Hex triplet = #00007F
- CMYK values = C=100, M=100, Y=0, K=50
This produces a dark blue color approaching black. Adjusting the RGB or CMYK values allows you to control the exact hue and darkness of the blue black shade.
Here is an example “blue black” swatch with these RGB values:
So in digital editing, “blue black” has an exact definition as a mix of colors, not just a descriptive term.
Use in Logos and Branding
“Blue black” is an impactful color choice for logos and branding. Its dark intensity creates a luxurious, elite impression. Some examples of major brands using blue black:
- Chanel – Uses a blue black shade for its iconic brand logo and packaging.
- Moncler – Their winter jackets use a signature blue black color in the branding.
- Anthropologie – Features a deep blue black in their print catalogs and shopping bags.
- Bang & Olufsen – Their high-end audio products often use matte blue-black finishes.
Blue black aligns brands with exclusivity, sophistication, and premium quality. It stands out dramatically against light backgrounds.
Conclusion
In summary, “blue black” originally described a vivid, raven-like hair color but evolved into a versatile color term with many associations:
- It conveys depth and darkness across art and culture.
- It creates an upscale, elegant impression in fashion and branding.
- It has precise definitions in digital editing software.
- It emphasizes blue undertones within an intensely dark black shade.
So next time you hear “blue black”, think of lovely raven hair, high-end limousines, and Chanel’s iconic branding. Its nuanced darkness evokes intrigue and luxury across many contexts.