Word of the day - BLIMEY

The word today is Blimey

Blimey is used mostly by the British and rarely used in other Anglicised parts of the world. It came into (documented) usage in 1889 and is unusual in that it seems uncategorised (verb, noun, adjective, etc.), possibly because of  it's vague meaning(s). It's commonly described as an informal British interjection.

I like the word Blimey because it typifies, along with other slang words, the quirky character of truly British people, if I hear these words when travelling abroad they immediately reveal the origin of the speaker.

The etymology of Blimey suggests it is a contraction of the phrase "God blind me", evolving into "blind me" and finally Blimey, suggesting its first and original meaning was an expression of shock, fear, incredulity and the wish for God to remove an image or apparition; which boiled-down over time to meaning shock, surprise, disbelief and awe. The word Gobsmacked could substitute for Blimey, as could Crikey.

Here are a few definitions I found of Blimey.

- To express surprise, speechlessness, incredulity, disbelief, amazement

- To underscore, accentuate, mark an action or statement of someone

- To express a sense of irony in what is said by another or seen

A word from England

Seen someone walk on water or fly unaided? Blimey!

An ugly friend is dating a gorgeous girl?         Blimey!

Someone says you have won a £million. You could respond with Blimey

To any incredulous event or statement or action, you say Blimey

There is an index of words of the day.