bleeder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Technical (literal); Informal/Slang (figurative, often derogatory)
Quick answer
What does “bleeder” mean?
A person who bleeds profusely, especially due to a medical condition like haemophilia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who bleeds profusely, especially due to a medical condition like haemophilia; or something that causes bleeding.
An offensive or contemptuous slang term for a person, often expressing annoyance or dislike. Also, in technical contexts, a valve or screw to release air from a fluid system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang use for a contemptible person is more common and established in British English. The technical use for a valve ('bleed valve' or 'bleeder screw') is common in both varieties.
Connotations
In British slang, it strongly connotes annoyance, pity, or disdain. In American English, the slang use is much rarer and may be misunderstood or sound archaic.
Frequency
Relatively low frequency overall. High in specific medical/technical domains. Slang use is predominantly British and informal.
Grammar
How to Use “bleeder” in a Sentence
That {annoying} bleeder!He's a chronic bleeder.Open the bleeder on the radiator.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bleeder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical literature to describe a patient with a coagulation disorder.
Everyday
Rare, except in UK slang as an insult ('That bleeder scratched my car!').
Technical
Mechanical/plumbing contexts: 'Loosen the bleeder to release air from the brake line.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bleeder”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bleeder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bleeder”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'person' in formal contexts.
- Using the slang term in American English where it is not widely recognised.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its literal medical/technical use is neutral, but its common slang usage is informal and often derogatory or dismissive.
Yes, in engineering and plumbing, a 'bleeder' (or bleed valve) is a small valve for releasing air or fluid from a system.
No, it is primarily a British and Commonwealth slang term. Americans are more likely to use terms like 'jerk' or 'idiot'.
It likely derives from the idea of a person being a 'bloody' nuisance, with 'bloody' being a British intensifier. It's an example of a dysphemism.
A person who bleeds profusely, especially due to a medical condition like haemophilia.
Bleeder is usually medical/technical (literal); informal/slang (figurative, often derogatory) in register.
Bleeder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbliː.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbliː.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this entry.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bleeder' as someone who 'bleeds' or something that 'bleeds' (releases) air/fluid, or a person who metaphorically 'bleeds' you of patience.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANNOYING PERSON IS A SOURCE OF BLOOD/LOSS (Slang: the person causes figurative 'bleeding' of one's patience or luck).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bleeder' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?