blue peter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Maritime), Historical
Quick answer
What does “blue peter” mean?
A blue flag with a white square in the centre, flown by a ship to signal its imminent departure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blue flag with a white square in the centre, flown by a ship to signal its imminent departure.
The blue flag signal flown by a vessel to indicate it is ready to sail; also used in a figurative sense to signify an imminent departure or the start of a venture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, the term is recognized by a wider general public, partly due to its use as the name of a long-running BBC children's TV programme. In US, the term is essentially only known in nautical contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, can evoke nostalgia for the TV show 'Blue Peter' (especially for generations from 1958 onward). In both regions, the primary maritime connotation is formal and technical.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Higher recognition frequency in the UK due to cultural reference. Use frequency in spoken language is extremely low in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “blue peter” in a Sentence
The [ship/captain] hoisted the Blue Peter.The Blue Peter was flying at the foremast.They ran up the Blue Peter to signal departure.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically in very formal or literary contexts to announce a major strategic 'departure' or new venture launch.
Academic
Used in historical, maritime, or cultural studies contexts. May appear in analyses of British media (the TV programme).
Everyday
Extremely rare, except as a cultural reference to the BBC TV show in the UK. The literal maritime meaning is almost never used.
Technical
Used in maritime communication and naval history. Refers specifically to the International Code of Signals flag for 'P' (Papa), meaning "All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue peter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue peter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue peter”
- Using 'blue peter' to refer to any blue flag on a ship.
- Capitalizing it incorrectly ('blue Peter') when referring to the flag, though the TV show title is always capitalized 'Blue Peter'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They blue petered at dawn' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the BBC TV programme 'Blue Peter' (1958-present) took its name from the nautical flag, symbolizing a voyage of adventure and discovery for its young viewers.
No, it is a noun phrase. While you can 'hoist', 'fly', or 'run up' the Blue Peter, it is not standard to use it as a verb.
Yes, it is part of the International Code of Signals, where flag 'P' (Papa) is a blue flag with a white square. Its meaning ('All persons should report on board') is recognized internationally, though the traditional name 'Blue Peter' is of British origin.
It can be used in formal or literary contexts to indicate the start of a significant endeavour or departure from a previous state, e.g., 'The new policy was the Blue Peter for a series of radical reforms.'
A blue flag with a white square in the centre, flown by a ship to signal its imminent departure.
Blue peter is usually formal, technical (maritime), historical in register.
Blue peter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈpiːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈpiːt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fly the Blue Peter (to signal the start of a venture or departure from a situation).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Peter Pan flew to Neverland. A Blue Peter flag means a ship is about to 'fly' away to sea.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPARTURE IS A VISUAL SIGNAL / BEGINNING IS A RAISED FLAG.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'Blue Peter' flag specifically signal?