Understanding the Slang and Literal Meaning of Coalburner

Well now, this “coalburner” thing, it ain’t something you hear folks talk about much in polite company, but I reckon if you’s been around a bit, you’ve probably heard the word tossed about here and there. Mostly, folks use it in a bad way, so I’ll just tell you what I know ‘bout it, plain and simple. This word, “coalburner,” got a couple of meanings, but none of them are too pretty, let me tell you.

Now, back in the day, the term “coalburner” was used to talk about a machine, like a big ol’ contraption that burns up coal to make things work, like for heat or to power up some other machinery. They call them “pulverized coal burners,” and they use this fine powdery coal to make a big ol’ flame. You’ll mostly hear this in factories or maybe some big power plants, places where they need to burn a lot of coal to make things run. You throw that powdered coal in there, and it burns up real hot, keeps the machines working hard, just like how you’d keep your stove burning with a good load of firewood in the wintertime. The coal goes in, burns up, and out comes the heat. Simple as that.

But, and here’s where it gets a bit ugly, folks started using the word “coalburner” as a slang term, mostly to mean something real nasty. See, it became a derogatory term used to describe a person, usually a white woman, who’s with a black man. That’s what they mean when they throw that word around. Ain’t nobody’s business who loves who, but for some reason, people got it in their heads to use “coalburner” as an insult. It’s used to degrade and belittle, like they’re trying to say something wrong about that person’s choices, when really, love ain’t got no color, as far as I’m concerned. If they’re happy, that’s all that matters, ain’t it?

Well, just like other words that get used to hurt people, this one’s got a real sting to it. It’s offensive, plain and simple, and it ain’t somethin’ you should go around callin’ people. I reckon it’s best to just leave those words be and show folks a little respect, no matter who they’re with. After all, the way I see it, it’s the heart that matters, not what’s on the outside.

But let’s not get too deep into the bad side of things. The word “coalburner” can also be used, in some cases, when folks talk about machines and stuff. So, you might hear folks talkin’ about how a “coal burner” works in a factory, especially in them big industrial places where they need a whole lot of power and heat. I suppose if you’re ever around one of them big machines, you might hear folks call it that, too. It’s just one of them words that’s got a couple of meanings, depending on who’s usin’ it.

Now, if you’re lookin’ for more info on what this here word really means, best bet is to look it up in a dictionary, but I’ll tell you right here—it’s got a rough meaning. It’s mostly used in a bad way, when folks want to insult somebody. So, if you hear someone use it, you might want to turn around and walk the other way. Ain’t no reason to get mixed up in that kind of talk, I say.

In the end, words are just words, but it’s the way we use them that really counts. If you use ‘em to lift folks up, that’s one thing, but if you use ‘em to tear folks down, well, that’s somethin’ else entirely. So, best be careful with the words you choose and think before you speak, ya hear?

Tags: [coalburner, slang meaning, offensive terms, pulverized coal burner, derogatory terms, love and race]