Blimey

Blimey (interjection / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Cor blimey, Gorblimey, Blimey O’Riley)

Definition:

A classic British exclamation of surprise, shock or amazement, like “wow” or “goodness me”.

Where It Comes From:

It is short for “God blind me”, an old oath that got squashed into “blimey” over time. “Cor blimey” and “gorblimey” are the longer versions, and the word became a stock phrase for Cockney characters in British films and comics.

How People Actually Use It:

These days it sounds a bit old-fashioned, so it is mostly used with a smile, by older people, in jokes, or by someone putting on a silly London accent. It can express surprise at anything from the time to the weather to a very big burger. It is mild and not rude at all.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Blimey, is that the time?”

  Meaning: I did not realise it was so late.

• “Cor blimey, look at the size of that burger.”

  Meaning: That is surprisingly big.

• “Blimey, it is cold out there.”

  Meaning: It is much colder than I expected.

Similar Slang:

Shook, Crikey, Gosh, Bloody hell, Wow