blimey
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From [God] blind me!, corrupted to disguise the blasphemous nature of the oath. Compare 'sblood, strewth, zounds, etc.
Pronunciation [edit]
Interjection [edit]
blimey
- (UK, Australia, New Zealand) Expressing anger, surprise, excitement, etc. [From 1889.]
- Blimey! I didn't see that!
- 1945, Kenneth Lewis Roberts, British Mysteries, in The Kenneth Roberts Reader, 2002, page 191,
- “Blimey!” he says in his rough, shepherd's voice, “blimey, but it′s cruel ′ard to be chucked out of one′s digs wivout a blarsted word! […] ”
- 2007, Penny Vincenzi, The Dilemma, page 311,
- ‘Blimey,’ said Barnaby. ‘Come on, Jack, quick as you can.’
- ‘Blimey,’ said Jack. ‘Blimey blimey blimey.’
- 2011, Duncan Campbell, If It Bleeds, unnumbered page,
- ‘Blimey,’ said Laurie. ‘But how would he know that the Old Bill are going to swallow that? It′s a bit bloody obvious that someone must have planted it on Petrov, isn′t it?’
Derived terms [edit]
terms derived from blimey
Translations [edit]
expressing surprise, etc.
