Vocabulary Showcase: Where Does the World Albino Come from?

Have you ever seen a white wallaby? A white squirrel? Have you been lucky enough to see a white peacock? I saw white (albino) wallabies in the zoo, and my brain went to where it always goes… where does the word ‘albino’ come from?

What is Albinism?

Albinism is a genetic difference in animals and people that reduces the amount of melanin we have in our skin. Melanin is what gives our skin and eyes their colour. So, if you have a lot of melanin you have darker skin, and less melanin gives people lighter skin. Albanism has been around as long as animals and people have been.

What is the Etiology of ‘Albino’?

The origins of the word ‘albino’ begin in Latin with “albus” meaning white. The Spanish word “albo” came from this, and it then changed around the early 18th century into albino in Spanish and Portuguese.

Why is the Word Albino Seen as Negative?

‘Albino’ was most often used to describe African men, women, and children that had very little melanin making them lighter skinned. This almost certainly was strongly related to the Portuguese slave trade of African people around that time. The white slave traders were surprised to see African people with pale skin and light-coloured hair and used this word to describe them. It is important to note though that anyone can be born with albinism and it is not specific to any ethnicity.

Sidenote: It has always made me wonder something: since these were very racist times and most white people thought they were better than anyone with darker coloured skin… doesn’t that make Albino people better than white people? Unfortunately, I know that the answer is no, because it isn’t really about skin colour its about making white people feel better than everyone else.

Wrapping Up

It is wise to be careful with the word ‘albino’, as some people with albinism find this word to be insulting, which is not surprising now we know where it comes from. I have read that most people with albinism are OK with the word albino if it is used with respect. But, not everybody will feel the same. Albinism comes with a lot of other unfortunately harmful effects like vision problems, but it is definitely beautiful.