blowoff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “blowoff” mean?
An event or mechanism where steam, pressure, or gas is released from a system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An event or mechanism where steam, pressure, or gas is released from a system.
An act of ending a relationship or dismissing someone/something abruptly and often disrespectfully.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The technical/engineering sense ('safety blowoff valve') is common in both varieties. The informal sense ('He got the blowoff from his date') is predominantly American.
Connotations
In British English, the informal usage is rare and may be misunderstood or sound like an Americanism. In American English, the informal sense is clearly understood as a rude dismissal.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English. The technical sense is more common in AmE due to broader industrial vernacular; the informal sense is almost exclusive to AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “blowoff” in a Sentence
give [IND.OBJ] the blowoffget the blowoff from [SOURCE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blowoff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adverb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adjective
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in engineering/industrial contexts discussing pressure systems.
Academic
Rare outside of engineering/thermodynamics papers.
Everyday
Informal American English for social dismissal. ('She gave him the blowoff after one date.')
Technical
Standard in engineering for a valve or event that releases excess pressure to prevent failure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blowoff”
- Using 'blowoff' as a verb (correct: 'blow off').
- Using the informal American sense in UK contexts where it may not be understood.
- Misspelling as two words ('blow off') when the noun form is typically one word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning a release valve or a rejection, it is typically written as one word ('blowoff'). The phrasal verb is two words ('blow off').
Yes, but cautiously. The technical meaning will be understood. The informal 'social dismissal' meaning is primarily American and may cause confusion in the UK.
They are near synonyms in the social sense. 'Blowoff' (AmE) can imply a more abrupt, final, and sometimes explosive ending, while 'brush-off' (common in both AmE and BrE) can be slightly less harsh, implying disregard.
Yes. The term explicitly describes a rude, disrespectful, or abrupt dismissal. It is informal and carries a negative judgement on the action.
An event or mechanism where steam, pressure, or gas is released from a system.
Blowoff is usually informal, technical in register.
Blowoff: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊˌɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the blowoff”
- “get the blowoff”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pressure cooker: the steam 'blows off' to prevent an explosion. Similarly, in a bad date, one person 'blows off' the other to end the situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION IS THE RELEASE OF PRESSURE / DISMISSAL IS VENTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blowoff' LEAST likely to be used?