BLACK IS BACK Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tie

Black tie is worn after six pm. It entails a suit, a white dress shirt, black bow tie, shoes, and either a waistcoat or cummerbund.

Answer: Board

Blackboards were once made of thin sheets of black slate but were changed to green towards the end of the twentieth century. It was believed to be much easier on the eyes than the stark black.

Answer: Smith

The word blacksmith is derived from the two separate words black and smith. The 'black' comes from the black oxide layer that the metal is coated in while heated, and 'smith' is derived from 'smite', meaning to hit. So a blacksmith is, basically, a man who hits black metal.

Answer: Ball

Blackballing originated in seventeenth century gentlemen's clubs. When a ballot was called for, members could vote with a white ball for yes or a black ball for no. This system did not work on a majority vote - depending on the rules of the club only one or two blackballs was enough to rule against the proposition.

Answer: Out

A blackout or fainting is the layman's term for syncope. The loss of consciousness is very quick and only lasts a short time. The most common cause is low blood pressure which reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

Answer: Hole

Scientists believe that black holes form when stars collapse, and that they grow bigger as they absorb mass from their surroundings. Geologist John Michell was the first man to suggest (in 1783) that such a body where its light was affected by gravity, could exist.

Answer: Head

Blackheads are caused by excess oils in the duct of the sebaceous gland. Because they often occur in hair follicles, the oils oxidise as they are exposed to the air which makes them appear black. Medically they are known as an open comedo.

Answer: Box

An aircraft's black box contains a voice recording of the cockpit's inhabitants and a flight data recorder that provides information on the controls. These provide vital data to air crash investigators. The box is also not black but bright orange to make them easier to find.

Answer: Belt

The use of coloured belts to indicate levels is not an ancient custom - it only arose in the late nineteenth century. The black belt is accepted to be the highest belt but ranking systems vary between disciplines and even countries.

Answer: Mail

The word 'blackmail' dates back to the Middle Ages on the English/Scottish borders where a group of raiders pillaged villages and towns. The people could choose to pay a 'male', meaning rent or tribute, to keep the raiders away. These tributes were paid in goods or labour which was referred to as 'blackmale' as opposed to 'whitemale' that was silver.