blue law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “blue law” mean?
A law that prohibits certain activities, especially business or entertainment, on Sundays or religious holidays.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A law that prohibits certain activities, especially business or entertainment, on Sundays or religious holidays.
Any law considered excessively puritanical or restrictive of personal freedom, often regulating moral behavior (e.g., alcohol sales, dancing, gambling). Historically, many were enacted to enforce religious observance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly American, referring specifically to US colonial and state laws. In British contexts, similar historical laws might be called 'Sunday trading laws' or 'Sabbatarian legislation,' but 'blue law' is rarely used.
Connotations
In the US, it strongly connotes a specific historical and cultural phenomenon of Puritan/Protestant influence. In the UK, if used, it would be understood as an Americanism.
Frequency
High frequency in US historical/political discourse; very low to negligible in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “blue law” in a Sentence
The [STATE/TOWN] repealed its blue laws.Blue laws [PROHIBIT/RESTRICT] [ACTIVITY].Many consider these regulations to be outdated blue laws.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council sought to blue-law certain Sunday activities. (Rare/Non-standard)
American English
- The state legislature moved to blue-law the sale of automobiles on Sundays. (Rare/Non-standard)
adverb
British English
- [No standard usage]
American English
- [No standard usage]
adjective
British English
- They faced blue-law restrictions. (Rare)
American English
- The county has a blue-law ordinance that still affects car dealerships.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in retail and hospitality sectors regarding Sunday/holiday operating hours and sales restrictions.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and sociology papers on religion, law, and social norms.
Everyday
Used when discussing local rules about buying alcohol on Sunday or why certain shops are closed.
Technical
A legal term of art in US statutory history and constitutional law regarding the separation of church and state.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue law”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue law”
- Using it to describe any strict law (e.g., against murder). It specifically relates to moral/religious observance, typically about Sundays. Confusing it with 'blue-ribbon law' or other 'blue' idioms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact origin is debated. It may come from the blue paper on which New Haven colony's laws were printed in the 18th century, or from the term 'blue' meaning rigidly moral.
Yes, in parts of the United States, particularly regarding restrictions on alcohol sales, car sales, or hunting on Sundays, though many have been repealed or relaxed.
It is typically used negatively or descriptively in a historical context, implying the laws are outdated, excessively strict, or improperly mix religion and government.
A 'blue law' is an American term with strong historical/religious connotations. A 'Sunday trading law' is a more neutral, descriptive term used in the UK and elsewhere, focusing on commercial activity rather than broader moral prohibitions.
A law that prohibits certain activities, especially business or entertainment, on Sundays or religious holidays.
Blue law is usually formal, historical, journalistic in register.
Blue law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈlɔ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sad, 'blue' Sunday where you can't do anything fun because of a strict 'law'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A CONSTRAINT / RELIGION IS A RULE-MAKER
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'blue law' most specifically associated with?