Bloody
adjective / intensifier /ˈblʌd.i/ — British intensifier; possibly from religious oath 'By Our Lady'
Definition
A British expletive used as an intensifier — 'bloody hell', 'bloody marvellous'. Its etymology is disputed: it may derive from 'by Our Lady' (a religious oath) or from the literal meaning (covered in blood). Either way, its mildly taboo status has made it one of Britain's most beloved swear words.
Beyond the definition
Bloody is quintessentially British taboo — its power is inversely proportional to its offensiveness. The fact that it's not quite a serious swear word makes it versatile: you can say it in front of your grandmother, mostly.
Origin & history
Old English: blōdig (covered in blood). The disputed etymology as 'By Our Lady' remains unproven but plausible. The word's taboo status developed in the 18th century; George Bernard Shaw's use in Pygmalion caused outrage in 1914.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Bloody hell — where did that come from?
She was bloody brilliant at the piano and seemed entirely unaware of it.
The word 'bloody' is mild enough to be polite and sharp enough to be satisfying. That's the sweet spot.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Bloody” when the meaning fits your context: A British expletive used as an intensifier — 'bloody hell', 'bloody marvellous'. Its etymology is disputed: it may derive from 'by Our Lady' (a religious oath) or from the literal meaning (covered in blood). Either way, its mildly taboo status has made it one of Britain's most beloved swear words.
Synonyms
blimey, ruddy, blooming
Related words
Bloody vs damned
Bloody is a uniquely British intensifier used to show anger or emphasis. Damned is a more universal term used to convey frustration or condemnation.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Playful Intelligence and Tone
A close-up of an adult’s face as they deliver a clever, dry joke.
The sharp, playful intensity of the remark mirrors the function of a mild British expletive. Like 'bloody' acting as an intensifier, the wit in the person's eyes adds a layer of impact to their tone, turning standard speech into something more engaging.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Bloody" mean?
Bloody is adjective / intensifier meaning: British intensifier; possibly from religious oath 'By Our Lady'. A British expletive used as an intensifier — 'bloody hell', 'bloody marvellous'. Its etymology is disputed: it may derive from 'by Our Lady' (a religious oath) or from the literal meaning (covered in blood). Either way, its mildly taboo status has made it one of Britain's most beloved swear words.
Where does the word "Bloody" come from?
Old English: blōdig (covered in blood). The disputed etymology as 'By Our Lady' remains unproven but plausible. The word's taboo status developed in the 18th century; George Bernard Shaw's use in Pygmalion caused outrage in 1914.