blimp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal; Technical (aviation context)
Quick answer
What does “blimp” mean?
A non-rigid airship, typically an early military or advertising airship without an internal structural framework.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-rigid airship, typically an early military or advertising airship without an internal structural framework.
Informal term for a person, especially one in authority, who is pompous, reactionary, or overweight. Also refers to a large, heavy object, particularly an older, curvaceous car (especially a classic Cadillac).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The character 'Colonel Blimp' and the associated connotation of a reactionary, pompous establishment figure is more culturally embedded in UK usage. In US, the term is more strongly associated with the airship or, informally, a large person or object.
Connotations
UK: Strong connotation of outdated, blustering authority (via 'Colonel Blimp'). US: Primarily a type of aircraft; secondary connotation of obesity or bulk.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. Slightly more likely in UK in historical/political commentary referencing 'Blimpish' attitudes.
Grammar
How to Use “blimp” in a Sentence
[Subject] + blimp + [prepositional phrase: over the stadium]The + [modifier] + blimp + [verb]He's a real blimp (metaphorical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blimp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician was accused of blimping on about national pride.
- (Rare, from 'Colonel Blimp')
American English
- I'm going to blimp out on pizza tonight. (slang: eat excessively)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial form)
American English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- His blimpish views on empire are hopelessly outdated.
- (Derived from Colonel Blimp)
American English
- He has a blimp-like silhouette against the sky.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in marketing ('advertising blimp') or aviation industry contexts.
Academic
Rare, except in historical studies of aviation, propaganda, or cultural studies (analysing the 'Colonel Blimp' stereotype).
Everyday
Low. Mainly used when referring to an airship seen at an event. The metaphorical use is dated.
Technical
Specific in aviation to distinguish a non-rigid airship from a semi-rigid or rigid airship (zeppelin).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blimp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blimp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blimp”
- Using 'blimp' for any airship (some are rigid zeppelins).
- Using the metaphorical sense ('he's a blimp') in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'blim' or 'blimpe'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A zeppelin is a type of rigid airship with an internal metal framework. A blimp is non-rigid; its shape is maintained by the pressure of the lifting gas inside its envelope.
It originates from a cartoon character created by David Low in the 1930s for the London Evening Standard. Colonel Blimp was a satirical figure representing a pompous, jingoistic, and out-of-touch British army officer.
Informally, yes, especially in American slang 'to blimp out' meaning to overeat and gain weight. It's non-standard and colloquial.
Yes, but rarely for military purposes. Their main modern uses are for advertising (e.g., the Goodyear Blimp), aerial photography/videography at major events, and occasionally for tourism or surveillance.
A non-rigid airship, typically an early military or advertising airship without an internal structural framework.
Blimp is usually informal; technical (aviation context) in register.
Blimp: in British English it is pronounced /blɪmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /blɪmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Colonel Blimp (a pompous, reactionary person)”
- “blimp out (US slang: to overeat, become fat)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'blimp' as sounding like 'blimp' – a soft, inflatable, blimp-shaped object. A blimp is basically a big, limp balloon with an engine.
Conceptual Metaphor
BULK IS A BLIMP (e.g., 'He's a blimp after the holidays'); OUTDATED IDEAS ARE BLIMPS (from Colonel Blimp).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a blimp from a zeppelin?