Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bluː blʌd/

Definitions

• Noun: A person of noble or aristocratic descent.
• Noun: A member of a royal or noble family, often used to refer to someone with high social status.
• Noun: A person with a heritage associated with wealth, power, or privilege.

Usage Examples

• She comes from a family of blue bloods, with a long lineage of aristocratic ancestors.
• The blue bloods of the country attended the gala event, where royalty and high society mingled.
• Despite being born into a working-class family, he was treated like a blue blood by his peers due to his wealth.

Etymology

The term "blue blood" comes from the Spanish phrase "sangre azul," which was used by the Spanish nobility to refer to their untainted, noble heritage. The phrase is thought to refer to the bluish appearance of veins seen through pale skin, often associated with aristocracy, who were less likely to be exposed to the sun due to their lifestyle. The term was adopted into English in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Aristocrat
• Noble
• Royalty
• Highborn
• Patrician

Antonyms

• Commoner
• Peasant
• Proletariat
• Working-class

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /bluː blʌd/
• British English: /bluː blʌd/ (pronounced similarly)
• Indian English: /bluː blʌd/ (may have slight variations based on regional accents)

Historical Usage

The phrase "blue blood" has been in use for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the Spanish aristocracy, who used the term "sangre azul" to distinguish themselves from commoners. The term spread to other European countries, including France and England, and later to the United States. In the 18th and 19th centuries, "blue blood" was often used to refer to those with royal or noble lineage, reinforcing the social stratification of the time. Today, the term is still used metaphorically to refer to people of high social standing or privilege.

Cultural Nuances

The term "blue blood" is often associated with privilege, wealth, and exclusivity. In modern usage, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting elitism or a disconnect from common people. The phrase is frequently used in political, social, and cultural discussions to highlight the disparities between the aristocracy and the general population. While it originally signified purity of noble birth, today, it is more likely to refer to those who have maintained positions of power or wealth through generations.

More Information

Blue bloods are typically associated with aristocratic families or royal bloodlines, and they have historically enjoyed privileges such as access to power, wealth, and status. While the term "blue blood" originated to describe those of noble birth, it has since evolved to encompass anyone who holds a significant position in society. The use of "blue" in the term is a metaphorical reference to the supposed visible difference in the veins of aristocrats compared to the common population. Despite its historical roots, "blue blood" continues to be a term that carries weight in discussions of class and privilege.