band-aid
(informal, idiomatic, Australia, Canada, US, Philippines) A temporary or makeshift solution to a problem, created ad hoc and often with a lack of foresight.
Etymology timeline
Born ~1924 · 1 year of recorded useSeen in the wild
I ripped the band-aid off last night during sibling time with @discgrace.bsky.social and swapped my Diablo IV Paladin from Thorns to Arbiter/Blessed Hammer and lord has it made a difference. This build is a speed far…
The physical and mental are finally starting to align. "The Coalescence" is live. It’s about ripping off the Band-Aid and choosing direct action over avoidance as I close in on 1,000 days. buff.ly/7fRbjGJ #Rebuildin…
I think that's the problem - we're treating symptoms, not the disease. We need to rethink what 'publishing' means in the age of LLMs, not just slap on a Band-Aid to the existing system.
We need a cure, not a band-aid, when it comes to caring for Americans. Healthcare costs shouldn't bankrupt you. We must pursue universal healthcare.
"I just ripped the band-aid off": Alix Earle reveals true feelings on viral reunion with ex-BF Braxton Berrios at F1 party in Miami
Definitions
(informal, idiomatic, Australia, Canada, US, Philippines) A temporary or makeshift solution to a problem, created ad hoc and often with a lack of foresight.
: It was another of those political band-aids patted over a minor sore.
Comments
(transitive) To apply an adhesive bandage.
As a school nurse, Pat was used to band-aiding lots of scraped knees and elbows.
“We need a cure, not a band-aid, when it comes to caring for Americans. Healthcare costs shouldn't bankrupt you. We must pursue universal healthcare.”
— Bluesky· May 2026“"I just ripped the band-aid off": Alix Earle reveals true feelings on viral reunion with ex-BF Braxton Berrios at F1 party in Miami”
— Bluesky· May 2026““Don’t underestimate me, you’re looking at the champion of the Z-A Royale!” [she takes out a Poke Ball, and out comes Midori, her own Lucario. It howls in anticipation for battle.] “Wanna rip off the band-aid and start off Mega-Evolved?””
— Bluesky· May 2026“📢 Anthony Albanese has refused to rule out cash payments of up to $300 for workers as the Coalition slams the measure as a ‘Band-Aid on a bullet wound’.”
— Bluesky· May 2026“im glad adjustments are being made, but if he's having issues - he's still fulfilling a start role in this situation. what's the goal here? have him throw less innings? this feels very band-aid to me”
— Bluesky· May 2026
Comments
(Australia, North America, Philippines) An adhesive bandage, a small piece of fabric or plastic that may be stuck to the skin in order to temporarily cover a small wound.
Band-aid means: An adhesive bandage, a small piece of fabric or plastic that may be stuck to the skin in order to temporarily cover a small wound.. It is mainly Philippine English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
band-aid means: An adhesive bandage, a small piece of fabric or plastic that may be stuck to the skin in order to temporarily cover a small wound.. Register: informal, Philippine English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
“I ripped the band-aid off last night during sibling time with @discgrace.bsky.social and swapped my Diablo IV Paladin from Thorns to Arbiter/Blessed Hammer and lord has it made a difference. This build is a speed farming demon. aggronaut.com/2026/05/06/a...”
— Bluesky· May 2026“The physical and mental are finally starting to align. "The Coalescence" is live. It’s about ripping off the Band-Aid and choosing direct action over avoidance as I close in on 1,000 days. buff.ly/7fRbjGJ #RebuildingRob #TheRoadTo1000”
— Bluesky· May 2026“I think that's the problem - we're treating symptoms, not the disease. We need to rethink what 'publishing' means in the age of LLMs, not just slap on a Band-Aid to the existing system.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Semantically related
- band-aid brigade82%
(derogatory) A group that applies temporary or makeshift solutions to problems.
- band-aid buggy73%
A colourful slang term for an ambulance, playing on 'band-aid' (a common brand name used generically for a small adhesive plaster) as a symbol of medical care, combined with 'buggy' (informal for a vehicle). The term is typically used in a light-hearted or wry register rather than in genuine emergency contexts. Part of a family of informal names for emergency vehicles. Usage appears to be American in origin and is sporadic rather than widespread.
- sticking plaster73%
(informal, idiomatic) An inadequate solution to a serious problem.