noun

Oreo

AW-ree-oh

noun

A round sandwich cookie made of two dark, chocolate-flavoured wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, most famously made by Nabisco.

"She dunked an Oreo in her glass of milk."

"The recipe called for crushed Oreos as a pie crust."

A disparaging slang term for a Black person accused of acting or thinking "white," implying they have abandoned their cultural identity.

"The comment calling him an "oreo" was widely condemned as a racist insult."

How to Use Oreo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually just the popular chocolate sandwich cookie; as slang, it's an offensive term implying someone has "sold out" their race.

Common mistake

The slang sense is a slur and considered highly offensive — it should not be used casually, even as a joke.

When to use it

The cookie sense is neutral and everyday; the slang sense is derogatory and taboo.

Common pairings

a pack of Oreos Oreo cookie crushed Oreos

Word Forms

Oreos plural

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She dunked an _____ in her glass of milk.

Etymology

A trademarked brand name first registered by the National Biscuit Company in 1912; its exact origin is disputed, with theories ranging from the French word for "gold" (or) to a simple invented name. The slur sense plays on the cookie's black-outside, white-inside appearance.

Rhymes for Oreo

CEO deo Leo geo Yeo Neo Seo Keo Teo Heo Theo Cleo

See all rhymes for Oreo →