The Four Surprising Meanings Of "Redbone": From Louisiana History To Hollywood Hits

The term "Redbone" is far more complex and historically layered than a simple dictionary definition suggests, encompassing at least four distinct and often unrelated meanings across American culture. As of December 15, 2025, this single, evocative word can refer to a specific multiracial community in the Deep South, a beloved breed of hunting dog, a piece of African American vernacular, or even a chart-topping rock band. Understanding "what is a redbone" requires a deep dive into American history, racial classification, and pop culture, revealing a fascinating tapestry of identities and origins. The intense curiosity surrounding the word stems from its ambiguity and the powerful identities it represents, from the hidden history of Louisiana's tri-racial communities to the global success of a Native American rock group. This guide breaks down the primary definitions, exploring the unique context and history behind each one.

The Multifaceted Identity: Four Distinct Meanings of "Redbone"

The word "Redbone" is an excellent example of how language evolves and takes on different, sometimes conflicting, meanings depending on the region and context. Here are the four primary definitions.

1. Redbone (Ethnicity and History): The Louisiana Tri-Racial Isolate Group

One of the most historically significant and least understood meanings of the term refers to a specific multiracial ethnic group primarily located in the American South, particularly in the western parishes of Louisiana, such as the Neutral Strip region near the Texas border.

A Brief History and Profile of the Redbone People

• Origin: The term "Redbone" was historically used to denote a multiracial individual or culture in the Southern United States.
• Ancestry: The Redbone people are considered a tri-racial isolate group, meaning their ancestry is a combination of at least two of the following: Caucasian (White), American Indian, and/or Negro (Black).
• Location: Key settlements of this community exist in western Louisiana near towns like Starks, Elizabeth, Merryville, and Pitkin.
• Historical Context: In the binary racial categorization of American history (Black and White), groups like the Redbones—who did not fit neatly into either category—were often marginalized or classified separately. In western Louisiana, the term could refer to someone who looked white but possessed mixed-race ancestry, and it was sometimes used as a racial slur during conflicts like the Lumber War.
• Modern View: While the term has a complicated and sometimes derogatory history, some modern descendants in Louisiana still identify as Redbone, acknowledging their unique and complex heritage.

This historical definition highlights a crucial aspect of American history: the existence of numerous "hidden" or tri-racial communities that developed in isolated areas, often to escape the strict racial laws of the time. The Neutral Strip in Louisiana, a disputed territory between the U.S. and Spain, provided the perfect environment for these groups to form their own distinct cultural identity.

2. Redbone (Slang): The African American Vernacular Term

In contemporary African American vernacular, "Redbone" is a common slang term used to describe a person, almost exclusively a light-skinned Black female.

The Nuance of Skin Tone

• Skin Color: The term specifically refers to a lighter complexion, often with a reddish or tan undertone.
• Mixed Heritage: While it can refer to an individual of mixed heritage (such as white and black parents), it is also used for a Black person who is simply light-skinned.
• Cultural Recognition: The term is widely recognized within the Black community, where skin tone classifications—like *Redbone*, *Yellowbone*, and *Brown-skinned*—are part of a complex cultural dialogue about colorism and identity.
• Usage: While generally a descriptive term, like many slang words related to physical appearance, its use can sometimes carry social or cultural weight depending on the speaker's intent and context.

This usage gained significant mainstream attention and topical authority after the release of the 2016 hit song "Redbone" by the artist Childish Gambino (Donald Glover), although the song's title is a direct reference to the band, not the slang term.

3. Redbone (Canine): The Fearless Hunting Dog

The third distinct meaning of the word refers to a specific breed of American hunting dog: the Redbone Coonhound.

Profile of the Redbone Coonhound

• Origin and Purpose: This is a breed of agile, speedy coonhound of U.S. origin, developed in the South. It was bred primarily to hunt small game that hide in trees, such as raccoons, but is also known for its ability to track larger prey, including deer, bear, and cougar.
• Appearance: The dog is known for its distinctive, usually solid dark red coat.
• Temperament: The Redbone Coonhound is described as a friendly, energetic, and fearless canine athlete, making it a wonderful companion for active people.
• Historical Use: Historically, coonhounds were used during the slave era to track game and even fugitives, further cementing their role in Southern history.

The name is a simple, direct description of the dog's characteristic color and bone structure, completely separate from the human ethnic or slang definitions.

4. Redbone (Music): The Pioneering Native American Rock Band

The final major definition is the name of the iconic American rock band Redbone, best known for their 1974 hit single, "Come and Get Your Love," which experienced a massive resurgence in popularity after being featured in the 2014 film *Guardians of the Galaxy*.

Biography and Profile of the Band Redbone

• Formation: Redbone was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1969.
• Founders: The band was founded by brothers Pat Vegas (Patrick Vasquez-Vegas, bass and vocals) and Lolly Vegas (Candido "Lolly" Vasquez-Vegas, guitar and vocals).
• Ancestry: The Vegas brothers were of Yaqui and Shoshone Native American descent, along with Mexican heritage.
• Original Lineup: The original commercial-peak lineup included Pat Vegas, Lolly Vegas, Peter DePoe (drums), and Tony Bellamy (guitar/singer).
• Musical Style: They are widely recognized as the pioneers of Native American rock music, blending rock, funk, R&B, and soul.
• Name Origin: The band's name is said to have been adopted to signify their mixed ancestry, taking inspiration from the Cajun term for a mixed-race person.

The band's legacy is significant, not just for their musical contributions but for bringing Native American heritage to the forefront of the rock scene.

Understanding the Current Context and Topical Authority

The word "Redbone" today carries a heavy weight of topical authority because of its deep connections to American history, race, and pop culture. When someone asks "what is a redbone," they are often seeking an answer to one of these four distinct topics. The most recent cultural updates, such as the renewed popularity of the band's song and the ongoing discussions about multiracial identity in America, keep the term fresh and relevant. Whether you are discussing the tri-racial isolate group of the Louisiana Neutral Strip, the light-skinned Black women in hip-hop culture, the fearless Redbone Coonhound, or the pioneering Native American rock band, you are engaging with a word that is a complex marker of identity and history in the United States. The term serves as a powerful reminder that American identity has always been more nuanced than a simple black-and-white dichotomy.