complected

[ kuhm-plek-tid ]

adjective

1. complexioned (usually used in combination):

   a light-complected boy.

complected

/ kəmˈplɛktɪd /

adjective

1. in combination a US dialect word for complexioned

Usage Note

Complected, a back formation from complexion, is an Americanism dating from the early 19th century. Although it has been criticized by some as a dialectal or nonstandard substitution for complexioned, it occurs in the speech of educated persons and occasionally in edited writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of complected¹

1800–10, Americanism; complect- (back formation from complexion, presumably taken as *complection ) + -ed ³

Example Sentences

The woman in the sepia toned photo from the 1890s appears dark complected.

From Scientific American

“I don’t know many Black folks or other people of color, particularly those that are darker complected, that have any faith in the court system.”

From Seattle Times

"My great-grandfather married a Swedish girl, you know? So the family has light-colored blood, and that Sandi got it all. But imagine, spirit of contradiction, she wanted to be darker complected like her sisters."

From Literature

“Dad was dark complected and, because he grew up in San Antonio and went to Alamo Heights High School, he spoke Spanish fluently,” said his son.

From Washington Times

Police describe the man as wearing a black baseball hat pulled down to his eyebrows, a black shirt and as having a “light complected” skin tone.

From Seattle Times