(Edit, I noticed you mentioned that as a possibility and that you hadn't noticed the skin as shiny. I can think of two plausible derivations:The skin of a bruised eye is going to be swollen and pulled taut, and thus more reflective and "shiny" than the surrounding skin. All About Vision supports the efforts of Optometry Giving Sight, Essilor Vision Foundation and OneSight to eliminate vision issues including uncorrected refractive error. Literal discoloration in the area surrounding the eye(s) due to an accumulation of blood. A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). In the past, it was believed that a black eye was the ‘devil’s mark’, as noted in the 1879 Freeman’s Journal ‘a black eye’. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top But there can be other causes as well.The clinical term for a black eye is periorbital hematoma. This blood tracks freely under the scalp producing a generalised swelling over the dome of the skull but cannot pass into either occiptial or the temple regions because of the bony atta A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). exclaimed Teacher, "oh, Eva, what can you have been doing? Without flash. Sublingual treatment involves a dissolvable tablet given orally over time. He had a pretty bad MessageToEagle.com – They have been encountered world-wide. What Exactly Is a Black Eye? Term is of Irish origin where it was a punishment for not keeping machinery shiney delivered from the boot of a British officer. For example, don't leave objects on the stairs, since this can easily result in a fall and eye injury. 0. Probably, the reason behind the word being used as such is that shine is a word that describes the phenomenon in which something is very bright and is reflecting light. on your forehead (cute). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which causes bleeding beneath the skin and bruising. English Language & Usage Meta A black eye (or "shiner") occurs when fluids collect in the tissues surrounding the eye after an injury near the eye.

Featured on Meta Though more difficult to pronounce, this medical term more accurately describes the condition — it is a collection of blood (hematoma) located in the tissues around, not inside, the eye (periorbital).A black eye can affect the area under the eye, or it can surround the eye completely.Any blunt force trauma to the eye socket or areas around it can damage small blood vessels under the skin and cause them to leak, leading to the development of a black eye Etymology - Why Is A Black Eye Called A "shiner"? They appear as dark circles under the eyes and resemble bruises or “black eyes.”Allergic shiners are caused by the pooling of blood under the eyes, due to the swelling of the tissue in the nasal cavities.Allergic shiners are not usually considered a serious problem, although they can be unsightly. 0. A black eye (or "shiner") occurs when fluids collect in the tissues surrounding the eye after an injury near the eye.Technically speaking, a black eye is a bruise or discoloration caused by broken blood vessels under the surface of the skin. I was hit on the brow bone. “Shiner” has racist tones. “Shiner” has racist tones. Area rugs also can be a trip hazard, so make sure they lie flat and are wrinkle-free.Amy Hellem is a writer, editor and researcher who specializes in eye care and other medical fields. The so-called black eye is the result of accumulation of blood and fluid in the loose areolar tissue following a blow to the head. What's the matter with your eye? (Save the steak for the grill. Well, yes! - English Language ... Literal discoloration in the area surrounding the eye(s) due to an accumulation of blood.

At the time it was said, the skin of black people tended give off a shine or gleam.

The 1904 origin date seems fairly accurate. Howdy, In the early 1900s the main occupation of the southern USA was shoe shining which employed mainly black people. Like other bruises, a black eye typically is accompanied by swelling. An egg on a forehead could/will also be called a shiner. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.