tar baby

noun

sometimes offensive
: something from which it is nearly impossible to extricate oneself

Word History

Etymology

from the tar baby that trapped Brer Rabbit in an Uncle Remus story by Joel Chandler Harris

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tar baby was in 1882

Rhymes for tar baby

See All Rhymes for tar baby

Browse Nearby Words

Taraz
tar baby
tarbagan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tar baby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tar%20baby. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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