What does blow mean?

[Elata]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #59 "Chit Chat: On the phone", question 7

Woman: Sorry to hear that. That must have been a ..........

(a) hit
(b) strike
(c) blow
(d) knock

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #59 "Chit Chat: On the phone", answer 7

Woman: Sorry to hear that. That must have been a blow.

Correct answer: (c) blow

Your answer was: incorrect
Woman: Sorry to hear that. That must have been a strike.
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What does blow mean?

Elata

[Alan]

Hi Elata,

The word means a shock or great surprise when you receive a piece of bad news.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[tupapa]

I knew the meaning, but doesn't that word sound vulgar in American English?

[Skrej]

The word can be used in a slang context for reference to an explicit sexual act, but, the word by itself has so many definitions both as a noun and a verb that's it's widely used without reference to the limited context you refer to.

You need to make a deliberate effort with a couple of limited constructions for it to be perceived as a vulgar term. It's completely safe to use in any conversation without any hint of vulgarity, and is widely used without any hint of vulgarity.

In truth, I can think of only 2 situations where the word 'blow' can be used as slang with a vulgar meaning. I'd rather avoid going into specifics on a public forum such as this, but I think it's fair to mention possible situations so you can avoid them.

The first, the word 'blow' is used as an adjective modifying the word 'job'. In such a case, yes, this is a reference to an explicit sexual act. Avoid this unless it is your deliberate intent to discuss such a situation. Be aware that it is an extremely explicit phrase.

The other possible vulgar slang usage is to use the word as a verb, in an imperative sentence. In such a case, you would be commanding the person you're talking to to perform the above mentioned act. Again, very graphic and explicit.

If you'd like further clarification, I'd be glad to answer, but it's probably better to ask via private message versus getting too obscene on the forum.

However, as I said, only when used in those two special, deliberate cases is it taken to be vulgar. Otherwise, you're fine using the word, without risk of being perceived as vulgar.

The following sentences are examples of commonly used sentences with the word blow, none with a vulgar meaning.

He was hit with a sharp blow to the head.
The wind is blowing very hard today
The wind blew all day yesterday.
That must have been quite a blow to you.
He blows the trumpet loudly.
Did you blow a gasket after that?
The fight came to blows.

There's also a number of idioms with the word 'blow', all perfectly safe to use.
'blowing hot air', 'blow off steam', 'blow hot and cold', etc.

[tupapa]

As I said, even I knew the meaning of the word used in a good way, I was not comfortable using it because I also saw the word used in not sacred contexts. Unfortunately, we don't find in the grammar books explanations like you have provided.

Let me tell you that your explanation has been very clear and now I know I'll have peace on my mint when I decide to use it. I'll try to incorporate it to my vocabulary.

The conclusion is that is not only the language we need to know but the culture behind.

Thanks so much

[Alan]

Hi Skrej,

I think you've rather laboured the point about the word 'blow' having sexual connotations. If someone has a mind for it, there are precious few words in English that can't be hauled up before a court of puritans for being used with a double meaning and found wanting. Don't scare people too much!

Alan
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