blag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “blag” mean?
To obtain something by deception, cunning, or persuasion, especially through bold talk or charm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To obtain something by deception, cunning, or persuasion, especially through bold talk or charm.
Can refer to a robbery, hold-up, or the act of improvising or 'winging it' in a performance or speech (often in entertainment/media contexts).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb (to obtain by trickery) and noun (a robbery) are almost exclusively British/Australian slang. It is very rare in American English and would likely be misunderstood.
Connotations
In the UK, can have a positive, cheeky connotation when it involves charm rather than force. In the US, if understood, it would likely be seen as purely criminal.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially among certain demographics. Virtually non-existent in general American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “blag” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] blag [OBJ] (e.g., He blagged a free meal.)[SUBJ] blag [OBJ] [PREP] [NP] (e.g., She blagged her way into the party.)[SUBJ] blag [that-CLAUSE] (informal, e.g., He blagged that he was on the guest list.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to blag a couple of backstage passes from the security guard.
- She's the queen of blagging free samples at the market.
American English
- (Not used. US speaker might say:) He finagled his way into the VIP section. / He talked his way into getting free tickets.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard.)
American English
- (Not used.)
adjective
British English
- (Rare. Sometimes used as 'blagged') That's a blagged laptop, I wouldn't buy it.
- He had a blag, cheeky sort of confidence.
American English
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Would be highly informal/unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal UK conversation among friends.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blag”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it with an American audience.
- Confusing it with 'blog'.
- Using it to mean a violent mugging (it's more about cunning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an established informal word (slang) in British English, found in major dictionaries like the OED.
Yes, especially in media/performance contexts. 'To blag it' means to speak or perform without preparation, using confidence to cover a lack of knowledge.
'Rob' typically implies force or threat. 'Blag' historically meant a robbery (noun), but as a verb it strongly emphasises obtaining something through clever talk, trickery, or cheek, not physical violence.
No. It is very unlikely to be understood by most Americans. Use alternatives like 'scam', 'wangle', 'finagle', or phrases like 'talk your way into' something.
To obtain something by deception, cunning, or persuasion, especially through bold talk or charm.
Blag is usually informal, slang in register.
Blag: in British English it is pronounced /blæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /blæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blag it (improvise)”
- “blag your way in/out/through”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BLAck-Gloved person (BLAG) charming a guard to let them in, not fighting.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A TOOL FOR THEFT (using words to 'steal' an advantage).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'blag' MOST likely to be used correctly?