beat the Africa clean out

[Selviya87]

Dear teachers,

I'm reading Book of Negro, and find this phrase in the context below:

“Doan be running your mouth on Africa,” she said. “You walk by a n****** with shut-mouth lips, or you walk by a white man on a horse or on his arse, doan be carrying on about back home an’ all. Ky-ly-na buckra beat the Africa clean out of you.”


Could you tell me the meaning of this phrase? Thanks a lot for your help.

selviya87

[emsr2d2]

Dear teachers,

I'm reading Book of Negro, and find this phrase in the context below:

“Doan be running your mouth on Africa,” she said. “You walk by a n***** with shut-mouth lips, or you walk by a white man on a horse or on his arse, doan be carrying on about back home an’ all. Ky-ly-na buckra beat the Africa clean out of you.”


Could you tell me the meaning of this phrase? Thanks a lot for your help.

selviya87

If you "beat something out of someone" then you either physically or metaphorically remove that personality trait from them (in this context). "Clean" here means "completely".

So the phrase is saying that the person should be careful not to talk about Africa in certain circumstances or there is a possibility that someone (or some people) will beat them so severely that there will be no trace of Africa left in them.

The beating may be physical but obviously it's not actually possible to beat someone until they lose their nationality or racial origin.

I will point out that even though you are quoting from a book (and I believe a rather well-respected one), the use of the word "n*gger" is seen as extremely offensive in most circles these days. The fact that it is contained within a quote lessens this impact somewhat but be aware of this fact.

[Tdol]

I
I will point out that even though you are quoting from a book (and I believe a rather well-respected one), the use of the word "n*gger" is seen as extremely offensive in most circles these days. The fact that it is contained within a quote lessens this impact somewhat but be aware of this fact.

I have replaced some letters with ****** because of this.

[Selviya87]

Thanks, emsr2d2 for the gracious answer. And sorry too, for my cultural unawareness. :) I'll keep that note in my mind.

Thanks a bunch,

selviya87

[Selviya87]

Understood, Mr. Tdol. Thanks for the correction :)

[Tdol]

Thanks for understanding.