I actually want to know its historical or cultural background. The term is a bit gruesome and I don't think this describes the Brits. Just wondering...
2006-09-07 19:04:42 · 11 answers · asked by flux_project 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Dear Straight Dope:
Why do the English say "bloody?" What is that in reference to?
SDSTAFF Lileth replies:
When we first got this question, I thought "No problem!" I was sure I already knew the answer, and that it has to do with the blood of Christ, and became a "naughty" word because it was blasphemous. Other, more depraved members of the SDSAB were sure it had to do with menstrual blood.
Turns out we were all wrong. According to the Oxford English Dictionary:
"In foul language, a vague epithet expressing anger, resentment, but often a mere intensive, especially with a negative -- as, not a bloody one." They cite an 1840s usage.
On the other hand, the use as adverb dates back to 1650s: as an intensive, meaning, "very" or "and no mistake". In the 1880s, it was considered a "horrid word" by respectable people, on par with obscene or profane language, and was printed in newspapers, etc., as "b----y."
The OED says the origin is uncertain, but possibly refers to "bloods" (aristocratic rowdies) of the late 17th-early 18th centuries ... "bloody drunk" arising from '"drunk as a blood" ... and the association with bloody battle, bloody butcher, etc., "appealed to the imagination of the rough classes." They add, "There is no ground for the notion that 'bloody', offensive as ... it is now to polite ears, contains any profane allusion or has connection with the oath ' 's blood!', referring to the blood of Jesus."
As to how offensive the word actually is, well, that depends on whom you ask, or say it in front of. It's fair to compare it to the "F-word," in that it may cause your mum to faint, but may cause scarcely a raised eyebrow amongst the gang at the pub.
2006-09-07 19:16:33 · answer #1 · answered by < Roger That > 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a superlative slang term used around many places in the Commonwealth.
It's used as a superlative, because "bloody" is used to describe an extremely brutal or bloody event like a battle in massive proportions. Ie. "The landing in Normandy was a bloody battle"
It just grew to take on other usages, kind of like the word "sick" has done (to an extent) with some parts of society nowadays. "Im feel sick" to "I caught a sick wave on my surfboard."
In the countries that use it (Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa (to a point)), it is no longer seen as a gruesome word, but an impolite or informal word to be used between close friends in jest during a conversation: "Where the bloody hell are you?"(Ha! Ha! Ha!) OR as a form of surprise: "Bloody hell! Who would've thought??" OR an expression of anger: "Bloody hell these bloody idiots are p-ssing me off!" (Australia only)
2006-09-07 19:13:50 · answer #2 · answered by azza 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know the term "bloody" is a curse word. Like "f*ck" here in America
2006-09-07 19:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by flaca 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
when i was little my nan would say, bloody in the bible bloody in the book if u dont bloody believe me have a bloody look. its just a saying like fu@k
2006-09-08 06:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
bloody is a nicer curse word they would say it instead of f you or basicly any american used curse word
2006-09-09 13:00:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate that expression from the brits...
I also hate "bloak"
Makes a guy sound like a frog
2006-09-07 20:30:12 · answer #6 · answered by Genie♥Angel 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Genie Angel: it's "bloke", not "bloak". I'm French.
2006-09-08 04:06:05 · answer #7 · answered by Offkey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They like to eat their meat raw or very rare.
2006-09-07 22:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
don't know i'm not from england
2006-09-07 19:31:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
like the american use y'all and oh my gawd.............now thats annoying
2006-09-07 19:07:27 · answer #10 · answered by brinlarrr 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋