Blacktongue

Blacktongue is a term used in different contexts and does not designate a single, universal concept. In medicine and dentistry, it is sometimes used informally to describe discolorations of the tongue that are not tied to a specific disease.

Lingua nigra, also called black tongue, is a benign hyperpigmentation of the tongue surface that can occur with tobacco use, iron supplementation, or poor oral hygiene. Black hairy tongue is a separate, benign condition in which the filiform papillae on the tongue elongate and trap pigment-producing bacteria, producing a dark coating that can appear black, brown, or gray.

In folklore and fiction, Blacktongue frequently serves as a proper name or epithet for creatures or characters associated with deceit, darkness, or malice. In fantasy literature, tabletop role-playing games, and video games, it may denote an entity, a relic, or a characteristic tied to speech or curse. There is no single canonical portrayal; uses vary by work.

Because of its diverse applications, the term requires contextual clarification to determine whether it refers to a medical sign, a fictional character, or something else. See also lingua nigra, black tongue, and black hairy tongue for related medical terms and conditions.