Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
A reference to poker's "Ace Card" which is "up someone's sleeve". The race card refers to having an unbeatable card in a card game, which, when played, must be either accepted or trumped by an entire hand of cards (see Rodney King). The reality of the implementation of this term is that a lot of people misuse it in order to gain an advantage that they would not otherwise have. It plays into the idea that there actually are races, and that our differences matter more than our similarities. There is a valid use for this, but it is far overused and this overuse does not actually promote equality, it destroys it. The term "race card" implies that the entire issue is a game of one-upsmanship and that it's just a matter of who gains the upperhand. The "race card" is in play any time someone uses the issue of race to benefit their position or defend their actions, and is used in such a way to construe that someone is being racist.
Text fits
Save
Cancel