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Tue Jan 10, 2006 17:44 pm Blow |
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Hi Elata,
The word means a shock or great surprise when you receive a piece of bad news.
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story If you vote |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7278 Location: UK
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Mon Jul 28, 2008 16:54 pm What does blow mean? |
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| I knew the meaning, but doesn't that word sound vulgar in American English? |
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tupapa New Member
Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 4
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 17:16 pm What does blow mean? |
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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. |
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Skrej I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 157 Location: Not-quite exact central U.S.
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 17:45 pm What does blow mean? |
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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 |
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tupapa New Member
Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 4
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 19:12 pm What does blow mean? |
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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 _________________ English as a Foreign Language You can read my EFL story Indirect Speech |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7278 Location: UK
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| What does "turned up" mean? | Phrasal verb: 'put away' |