The Rice University Neologisms Database

an outfit worn by a backstage crew member during a rehearsal or performance in theatre that is entirely black. This word, although a clipping of the phrase “stage blacks” is more accurately described as zero derivation. This is because the existing word “black” has undergone a change in meaning to mean black clothing. It is a term used almost primarily in theatre and entertainment settings among technical staff. This word is also an example of metonymy. A feature of the outfit, the color, is used to represent the whole outfit. Another feature of this word is that it is only used in its plural form.