Bloody

/ˈblʌdi/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonPhysical State
3 meanings2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Stained or smeared with blood.

/ˈblʌdi/

adjectivenegativeBeginner
Physical State

Covered in blood

The knife was bloody.

💡 Simply: Covered in blood.

More Examples

2

He had a bloody shirt.

How It's Used

Medical

"The patient arrived with a bloody nose."

2

Used as an intensifier to emphasize an adjective or adverb, often expressing anger or frustration. Considered vulgar in formal contexts.

/ˈblʌdi/

adjectivenegativeIntermediate
Emphasis

Used as an intensifier

This is a bloody mess!

💡 Simply: Very, extremely (informal and often rude).

More Examples

2

I'm bloody tired.

How It's Used

Informal Conversation

"That's a bloody difficult problem!"

Tip:Think of it adding extra emphasis, similar to 'very' or 'extremely', but stronger and more informal.
3

Used as an intensifier to emphasize an adjective or adverb.

/ˈblʌdi/

adverbnegativeIntermediate
Emphasis

Used as an intensifier

It's bloody cold today.

💡 Simply: Very, extremely (informal and often rude).

More Examples

2

I'm bloody hungry.

How It's Used

Informal Conversation

"He was bloody tired after the run."

Tip:Similar to the adjective use, it adds strong emphasis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Middle English blody, from Old English blōdig, from blōd "blood" + -ig "-y". The word's usage has evolved from a literal description to an intensifier.

Historically, 'bloody' was used more frequently and with less taboo than in modern times. Its use as an intensifier became increasingly popular.

Memory tip

Think of a bloody wound.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"related to blood"

bloody hellbloody awfulbloody goodbloody difficult

Common misspellings

bludybloddy

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written