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«TA’LIM SIFATINI OSHIRISHDA TILSHUNOSLIK, XORIJIY
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THE ROLE OF THE DOZENS GENRE IN AFRO-AMERICAN CULTURE

Author: Oybek Kulmamatov
1
Affiliation: Senior teacher of the Nordic International University
1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15202078

ABSTRACT

This article explores the origins of the Dozens, its impact on Afro-American culture, and how
it continues to influence modern expressions of Black identity, including hip-hop and stand-
up comedy. It also delves into the history, structure, social functions, and cultural impact of
the Dozens, tracing its roots from African traditions to its role in shaping contemporary Black
artistry.

Keywords: dozens, verbal sparring, entertainment, social bonding, psychological resilience,
slavery, artistic expression, “yo mama” jokes

INTRODUCTION
The Dozens is a form of verbal sparring that has played a significant role in
African American culture for generations. It is a tradition of playful yet sharp-witted
insults exchanged between two participants, often in a public setting, with the goal
of outwitting and outlasting one’s opponent. While it may seem like mere banter, the
Dozens carries deep cultural significance, serving as a means of entertainment, social
bonding, and even psychological resilience in the Black community.
The Dozens is a unique and influential verbal tradition in African American
culture. Often characterized as a battle of wits, it involves two participants
exchanging playful yet cutting insults in a rhythmic and entertaining manner, usually
in front of an audience. The objective is not just to insult but to showcase verbal
agility, humor, and quick thinking.
While on the surface, the Dozens may appear to be simple banter, it carries
deep cultural, social, and psychological significance. It has played an important role
in building resilience, strengthening communal bonds, and serving as a vehicle for
artistic expression. Furthermore, the Dozens has left a lasting imprint on modern
Black culture, influencing hip-hop, comedy, and mainstream entertainment.
The Dozens has roots in African linguistic traditions, where verbal skill and wit
were highly valued. Many scholars trace the practice back to West African traditions
of competitive wordplay and oral storytelling, which were integral to social life and
communication.
During the era of American slavery, these linguistic traditions merged with the
harsh realities of oppression, giving rise to creative and coded ways of expressing
oneself. The Dozens became a form of social and psychological resistance – a way to
cope with adversity, develop thick skin, and sharpen one's intellect. Some theories
suggest that the term “the Dozens” may originate from the dehumanization of
enslaved people who were considered “damaged” or unfit for labor and sold in 527

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