An older British slang phrase for lurid, melodramatic, or sensationalist writing — the kind of overwrought romanticism that prioritizes shock and spectacle over substance.
An older British slang phrase for lurid, melodramatic, or sensationalist writing — the kind of overwrought romanticism that prioritizes shock and spectacle over substance. Think purple prose cranked to eleven, gothic emotion, and theatrical excess. The term draws on the theatrical use of blue-colored flames for dramatic effect in nineteenth-century stage productions, where 'blue fire' created an eerie, supernatural atmosphere. Figuratively, it came to mean anything exaggerated for dramatic impact.
The critic dismissed the novel as nothing but blue fire — all atmosphere and zero plot.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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British archaic slang for gin — part of a cluster of indirect terms for spirits used in 18th and 19th century slang. 'Blue' may reference the blue flame gin produces when burned, or its association with poverty and working-class drink culture. Now entirely obsolete; encountered only in historical slang dictionaries.
A dated slang term for a pornographic film, common from the mid-20th century through the video era. The association of 'blue' with obscenity or risqué content is longstanding in English — 'blue' comedy, 'blue' material, a 'blue' joke all share the same sense. The term has been largely displaced by more explicit modern terminology but still appears in ironic, nostalgic, or period contexts.
(slang) A blue flame produced by lighting one's flatus.
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(UK, slang, dated) Sensational romanticism.
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(literally) A fire that burns a blue color.
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