1. If you say that a particular colour is the new black, you mean that that colour has become fashionable. Brown is the new black, and works wonders for figures and complexions.

2. People say that something is the new black to mean that it is suddenly fashionable or popular. In art and culture, at least, death is the new black. Intelligence is the new black, and reading matter with an intellectual content is making a comeback. Note: This expression is often varied, using other words instead of black. `Listen honey,' I said. `Forty is the new thirty. Everyone knows that.' Comedy is the new rock'n'roll.