blimey
interjectionInformal
A British English slang term. Browse all British slang.
What it means
An exclamation of surprise. Dated but still in genuine use, particularly by older speakers.
In use
Blimey, that was quick.
Blimey, have you seen the price of that?
Where it comes from
Contracted from 'God blind me' — a minced oath that wore down until nothing of the original was recognisable. Cor blimey is the fuller form.
First attested: 1880s
Other forms
- Similar terms:
- crikey, blooming heck