Blimey

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈblaɪmi/
• Rhymes: -aɪmi

Alternative forms

• blimy

Origin

From God blind me!, corrupted to disguise the blasphemous nature of the oath. Compare 'sblood, strewth, zounds, etc.

Full definition of blimey

Interjection

1. (UK, Australia, New Zealand) Expressing anger, surprise, excitement, etc. From 1889.Blimey! I didn't see that!
• 1945, Kenneth Roberts (author), 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