blazes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal
Quick answer
What does “blazes” mean?
A strong intensifier used in exclamations for emphasis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong intensifier used in exclamations for emphasis.
Primarily used in the exclamatory idiom "what/where/how the blazes..." to express surprise, anger, or strong emphasis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, though it may be perceived as slightly more old-fashioned or 'colourful' in contemporary British English.
Connotations
Conveys frustration, irritation, or bafflement. Considered mild profanity/strong language, unsuitable for formal contexts.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in informal spoken language; more common in older literature and film dialogue than in contemporary casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “blazes” in a Sentence
[Interrogative Pronoun] + the blazes + [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blazes” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- Where the blazes have you put the car keys?
- How the blazes did he manage that?
American English
- What the blazes is that noise?
- Who the blazes does he think he is?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Possible in informal speech among friends to express strong surprise or irritation, but considered dated or deliberately theatrical.
Technical
Never used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blazes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blazes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blazes”
- Using it in a statement (*'I saw the blazes yesterday.').
- Using it without the preceding interrogative (*'Blazes are you doing?').
- Confusing it with the plural noun 'blazes' meaning fires.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a mild profanity or strong informal intensifier, a euphemism for 'hell'. It is not among the strongest swear words but is inappropriate for formal or polite contexts.
No. It is almost always part of the fixed phrase '[what/where/how etc.] the blazes...'. The standalone exclamation 'Blazes!' is very archaic.
'The blazes' is stronger, more emotional, and slightly impolite compared to the neutral 'on earth' or 'in the world'.
Its usage has declined. It sounds somewhat dated or deliberately colourful/emphatic. Younger speakers are more likely to use alternatives like 'the hell' or 'on earth'.
A strong intensifier used in exclamations for emphasis.
Blazes is usually informal in register.
Blazes: in British English it is pronounced /bleɪzɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /bleɪzɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “What the blazes?”
- “Go to blazes!”
- “Hot as blazes.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a blazing fire – it's intense and hard to control. 'Blazes' in a question adds that kind of fiery, intense emphasis.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/FRUSTRATION IS HEAT/FIRE (e.g., 'blazing' with anger).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'blazes' used correctly?