blighter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly dated, chiefly British
Quick answer
What does “blighter” mean?
A person regarded with contempt, pity, or mild annoyance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person regarded with contempt, pity, or mild annoyance.
Used to refer to an unpleasant or unfortunate person, often with a mixture of irritation and grudging familiarity. In British English, can also refer to an inconvenient or annoying thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Overwhelmingly a British English term. American English does not use it natively, though it may be understood from exposure to British media.
Connotations
In British English, it can be class-associated (upper/middle class informal use) and often carries a historical/period flavour.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary UK English, considered somewhat old-fashioned. Extremely rare in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “blighter” in a Sentence
Noun + Blighter (e.g., 'a cheeky blighter')Adjective + Blighter (e.g., 'a lucky blighter')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rare, mostly by older speakers or in humorous/ironic imitation of old-fashioned British speech.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blighter”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it in American English as a native term.
- Spelling as 'bliter' or 'bligter'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and mildly derogatory but not a swear word. Its severity is similar to 'rascal' or 'scoundrel'.
Yes, in British English it can be used informally for an annoying thing (e.g., 'This computer is a real blighter'), though this is less common than the personal reference.
Virtually never in active use. An American might use it to deliberately sound British or in a quotation, but it is not part of American English vocabulary.
It originates from the verb 'to blight' (meaning to spoil or ruin), emerging in late 19th century British slang. A 'blighter' was someone or something that causes blight or ruin.
A person regarded with contempt, pity, or mild annoyance.
Blighter is usually informal, slightly dated, chiefly british in register.
Blighter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblaɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “You lucky blighter!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LIGHTer that's Busted – a 'blighted lighter' is annoying and useless, like a 'blighter' of a person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A DISEASE (to blight = to affect with disease or decay).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'blighter' MOST likely to be used appropriately?