bluey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial (Australian)
Quick answer
What does “bluey” mean?
A nickname for a redheaded person, derived from Australian slang where "bluey" referred to a red-headed cattle dog (Blue Heeler).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for a redheaded person, derived from Australian slang where "bluey" referred to a red-headed cattle dog (Blue Heeler).
Primarily Australian slang for a person with red hair. Historically, a bundle of belongings rolled in a blue blanket carried by a swagman; also, a nickname for a Blue Heeler dog. In the UK, sometimes used as a generic nickname (like "mate") or as a childish term for the colour blue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it's a rare, informal generic nickname or a child's word for something blue. In American English, it is virtually unknown except in specific contexts (e.g., fans of the Australian TV show). In Australian English, it's a recognized slang term for a redhead, a dog breed, or a swag.
Connotations
Australian: Familiar, often affectionate, with cultural heritage. British: Obscure, possibly childish. American: Exotic, associated with Australian culture.
Frequency
Most frequent in Australia, very low elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “bluey” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (as a name)[Verb] bluey (as a nickname)[Adjective] + bluey (rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bluey” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The toddler pointed at the bluey sea.
- He wore a bluey-grey jumper.
American English
- She liked the bluey tint of the lake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in cultural/linguistic studies of Australian English.
Everyday
Informal Australian use as a nickname; otherwise rare.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bluey”
- Using it to mean 'something blue' outside of childish British English.
- Assuming it is a common term in American or British English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is low-frequency slang, primarily used in Australia.
It's an ironic nickname, possibly originating from the red-coated Blue Heeler dog being called 'bluey'.
Rarely, and only informally, mainly in British English (e.g., 'a bluey-green hue'). It is not standard.
Yes, the show features a Blue Heeler dog, which is the breed historically nicknamed 'bluey' in Australia.
A nickname for a redheaded person, derived from Australian slang where "bluey" referred to a red-headed cattle dog (Blue Heeler).
Bluey is usually informal, colloquial (australian) in register.
Bluey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbluː.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblu.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to hump bluey (Aus, archaic: to carry a swag)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an Australian sheepdog with a BLUE blanket, but it's for a REDhead—the irony helps remember the Australian slang meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
IRONY/REVERSAL (calling a redhead by a name meaning 'blue').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'bluey' in Australian English?