Blackballing

/ˈblækbɔːlɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The act or process of rejecting or excluding someone through a secret vote or social means.

Etymology

The present participle of 'blackball,' showing the ongoing action of excluding members through vote. Derived from the voting ball system.

Kelly Says

Blackballing became so common in literature and drama that it symbolized social rejection itself—characters being 'blackballed' meant more than just one vote, it meant total social death and reputation destruction.

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