|
#2 (permalink) Tue Jan 10, 2006 16:44 pm Blow |
|
|
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 Present Simple |
|
Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 17284 Location: UK
|
|
#3 (permalink) Mon Jul 28, 2008 15:54 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
I knew the meaning, but doesn't that word sound vulgar in American English? |
|
Tupapa New Member

Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Canada
|
 |
#4 (permalink) Tue Jul 29, 2008 16:16 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
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. _________________ Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
***
Did you hear they arrested the Energizer Bunny on battery charges?
*** |
|
Skrej I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 863 Location: Not-quite exact central USA
|
 |
#5 (permalink) Tue Jul 29, 2008 16:45 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
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 |
|
Tupapa New Member

Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Canada
|
 |
#6 (permalink) Tue Jul 29, 2008 18:12 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
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 Progressive Forms |
|
Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 17284 Location: UK
|
 |
#7 (permalink) Fri May 01, 2009 17:12 pm Blow |
|
|
The tests seem easy, however there are some things that I think I know but I do not. Thanks for tests! |
|
Anush New Member
Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Posts: 1
|
 |
#8 (permalink) Wed May 06, 2009 20:40 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
Please activate Javascript in your browser to listen to this audio recording | 445 Listened |
hello, can anyone tell me the difference between the words > BLOW and STRIKE? blow means "shock" or a great surprise when you receive a piece of bad news.
and I've heard saying like>"That was a striking moment!" Doesn't it mean the same like a "shocking moment"? or any difference in meaning? please help me
Thank you Amal. |
|
Amalmusica You can meet me at english-test.net

Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 72 Location: India
|
 |
#9 (permalink) Wed May 27, 2009 7:38 am CHIT CHAT :ON THE PHONE |
|
|
I couldn't understand , why u r using blow can u explain me |
|
Suba1 New Member
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 6
|
 |
#10 (permalink) Wed May 27, 2009 7:50 am What does blow mean? |
|
|
. What? Where? Could you please supply some context? . _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
|
Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13018
|
 |
#11 (permalink) Wed May 27, 2009 8:37 am CHIT CHAT :ON THE PHONE |
|
|
Suba1 wrote: | I couldn't understand , why u r using blow can u explain me |
Hi Suba,
Alan answered this question a while ago here: What does 'blow' mean?
By the way, your question was written in a chatroom/SMS style. Please stick to basic English language rules. After all, our forum is for people who want learn proper English.
Thanks, Torsten
TOEIC listening, talks: Reporting on a fire |
|
Torsten Learning Coach

Joined: 25 Sep 2003 Posts: 17788 Location: EU
|
 |
#12 (permalink) Sun Oct 25, 2009 20:39 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
Can you tell me what is the diference between these words? I found them out in my dictionary and i donīt see the difference between their meaning. (a) hit (b) strike (c) blow (d) knock |
|
Tinuska New Member

Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Posts: 5
|
 |
#13 (permalink) Sun Oct 25, 2009 23:42 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
The main difference is in how they collocate-- they are used in different situations (too numerous to mention). First, when we are speaking of wielding a heavy object, 'hit', 'knock' and 'strike' are generally verbs, while 'blow' is only a noun.
The batter tries to hit the baseball until he strikes out. If the batter is hit/struck by a pitch, he and the pitcher may come to blows, but seldom is either of them knocked out. _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
|
Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13018
|
 |
#14 (permalink) Sun Jul 11, 2010 14:19 pm question |
|
|
Dera Torsten, Would you please tel me what does'That must have been a blow'mean? With regard Mitra _________________ Peace&Love |
|
Mitra584 I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 519 Location: Iran
|
 |
#15 (permalink) Sun Jul 11, 2010 14:54 pm What does blow mean? |
|
|
Either: That must have been a setback. or: That must have been upsetting. depending on the greater context.
A setback is an event that delays your progress or reverses some of the progress that you have made. _________________ "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett |
|
Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 39144 Location: UK, born and bred
|
 |
|
Get used to vs. get held to | At the end of the road |