Meaning
An old term for a light-skinned Black person with a reddish complexion — from the belief that the Igbo (Ibo/Eboe) people brought to Jamaica in slavery were of a lighter, reddish tone. 'Red Ibo' names this fair, freckled, often light-eyed African complexion. A historical, colourism-laden expression, it belongs to the deep memory of Jamaica's African origins and the fine distinctions of colour drawn under slavery.
Examples
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Di old people call him 'red Ibo' fi him complexion.
The old folks called him 'red Ibo' for his complexion.
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She a red Ibo, light wid freckle.
She's a 'red Ibo', light with freckles.
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'Red Ibo' come from di African tribe name.
'Red Ibo' comes from the name of the African people.
Origin
From 'red' (light complexion) + 'Ibo' (the Igbo people, said to be lighter); a historical colour term. See [[red-skin]], [[high-colour]].
How it’s used
An old term for a light, reddish-complexioned Black person, from the Igbo. See [[red-skin]], [[high-colour]].