Reclaim Arts, LLC
formerly Reclaim Artist Collective,
Home of The American Griot Project
The Glossary
Feeling Overwhelmed? Check the glossary!
pidgeon peas
The extremely tight curls at the base of the skull or back of the neck.
i.e.: "Don't forget to hot comb those pidgeon peas."
The kitchen
The base of the skull or back of one's neck.
i.e. "It's been so long since she had a perm, she got pidgeon peas in her kitchen."
permanent
Another word for a relaxer, a process, or hair straightening chemicals. Also referred to as 'perm,' this chemical compound is meant to get the hair straight. If left on too long it leaves burns. In the 1950s and prior, some Black men wore the "conk" which had the same outcome.
'Who done it'
As in "looking like" meaning the person looks a mess...a hot mess.
process
A relaxer. See permanent.
The medical term for "bald." Alopecia is a disease that affects the ability to grow hair. There can be many reasons for it and different types.
A special comb made specifically for afros. The original afro combs were made in Africa and they were thought to have spiritual properties. They were made of bone, ivory, or other materials and were buried with the dead.
nappy
A word used to describe hair with tight coils and kinks. At one time it had a negative connotation, but many women are "happy to be nappy" these days.
pelo malo
A Spanish phrase meaning 'bad hair.' In the Dominican Republic, this phrase is used to demean people whose hair is more African.
"Indian in my family"
In the early 20th century Black folks would explain their hair texture was "good" because they had a Native American ancestor. Sometimes they did, other times, they had gotten a "process," (see permanent)
Suggestions?
Do you have a question or comment about the Black Hair Glossary of terms from HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown? Is there a term or phrase that you would like to contribute? Let us know!
