Mister Charlie

or Mr. Charlie

noun

, Older Slang: Usually Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a white person.
2. a term used to refer to white people collectively.

Sensitive Note

See Chuck.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mister Charlie¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In 1964, Mr. Moncur learned that the Actors Studio was looking to cast a musician for its Broadway production of James Baldwin’s civil rights drama “Blues for Mister Charlie.”

From New York Times

His 1964 drama “Blues for Mister Charlie,” loosely based on the murder of Emmett Till, underwent a tumultuous rehearsal period, with its original producers demanding the same kind of softening that Childress faced down.

From New York Times

James Baldwin once had separate entrances for black and white audiences for his 1964 play inspired by Emmett Till’s murder, “Blues for Mister Charlie.”

From New York Times

He clashed with director Burgess Meredith and author James Baldwin during the New York run of Baldwin’s play Blues for Mister Charlie, and was let go from the London production for his “corrosive attitude.”

From Slate

Blues for Mister Charlie James Baldwin’s classic drama about a black man who returns to his Southern hometown only to be murdered by a white racist.

From Los Angeles Times