She wasnt really racist but...
My late Gran used to refer to anyone of à dusky pigmentation as having "à touch of the tar-brush in him". I am orten tempted to use such a useful phrase but seldom actually do.
(Hurple Pelmet, Sun 30 Oct 2011, 20:44, 4 replies)

Sounds about right - I have often heard this phrase being used about me. Various family rumours allege a great - great - great grandmother who was black.

My thick lips and curly hair made me the subject of much bullying at school.

The "touch of the tarbrush" was mentioned several times between Mum and Dad. I have a photo of me aged around 2 and to be honest I look part Afro-Carribean.

Mum strongly denies this and ridicules me for suggesting I/we have black roots.

Nothing about grandparents here - sorry.
( Vambo, Mon 31 Oct 2011, 0:29, closed)

You are not your father's child.
They are trying to build a web of lies to hide it from you. You've always suspected this, but have been loathe to confront it.
(Gritty, yet fluffy. kipperpillock is obsessed with me =), Mon 31 Oct 2011, 1:21, closed)

My mum loves this phrase,
but I've only ever known her to apply it to people we don't know (ie. mixed-race friends of the family would go unremarked upon). Still, it's one of the least racist things she says, so I let it pass.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Mon 31 Oct 2011, 8:51, closed)

Often tempted, because you, too are racist?

( scarpe We Stole Bikes, Mon 31 Oct 2011, 13:05, closed)