I have a friend from the UK who once explained the expletive "bloody". I can't remember exactly what he said.

Question

He described it as several words that when said very fast sounded like bloody. I've lost touch and was trying to tell someone else the history of the term.

Answer 1

I was told that is a corruption of By Our Lady, referring to the Virgin Mary, and is considered extremely offensive.

Answer 2

Bloody is the adjectival form of blood but may also be used as a swear word or expletive attributive (intensifier) in Britain, Ireland, Canada, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Nowadays it is considered (by most of the population of these countries) to be a very mild expletive, and unlikely to cause offence in most circles.

Why do the English say "bloody?" What is that in reference to? --Asher

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.

Answer 3

I had been told long ago that using the term "bloody" referred to the Blood of Christ - and is considered blasphemy - indeed the height of vulgarity as it is considered as making sport of Christ's crucifixion by associating the anointing of Christ's blood to any noun - usually in a negative context.

But then, I'm a good Catholic Girl.

Answer 4

I have the feeling its something to do with blue blooded. 'bloody drunk' = 'drunk as a lord' or 'drunk as a blood'. It seems to have gained a blaspheming quality from sounding like 'by God's blood' but, like you, I have forgotten the details. Hope this reminds you (c;

Answer 5

Slang. (used as an intensifier): a bloody shame; a bloody nuisance.

Answer 6

bloody hell bloody bastard bloody heck bloody swine

Answer 7

It is not nice; don't use it.