Uncle Tom

epithet

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Uncle Tom" originates from the character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Initially, Tom was depicted as a virtuous, dignified, and Christian character who endured brutality with bravery and strength, even saving the life of his young owner, Little Eva. He ultimately dies for refusing to betray escaped slaves to his cruel owner, Simon Legree.1

However, by the mid-20th century, the character's portrayal shifted. "Uncle Tom" became a derogatory epithet used to describe a Black person perceived as overly submissive to white authority or as a "race traitor". It can also refer to anyone overly subservient to authority. The term is considered offensive.123

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Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Criticism
The term Uncle Tom also became an insult used to describe a Black person who shows subservience to whites or is otherwise considered complicit with oppression by whites. This sense can be traced to at least the early 20th century, and early public use of it (c.…
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The term Uncle Tom also became an insult used to describe a Black person who shows subservience to whites or is otherwise considered complicit with oppression by whites. This sense can be traced to at least the early 20th century, and early public use of it (c.…
Read More