bobby dazzler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (colloquial, somewhat dated)Informal, colloquial, primarily British
Quick answer
What does “bobby dazzler” mean?
A person or thing that is extremely impressive, attractive, or excellent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that is extremely impressive, attractive, or excellent.
Used to describe someone who dresses flamboyantly and draws attention, or something remarkable that causes excitement or admiration. Historically, in British slang, it could also refer to a confidence trickster or a person of dubious character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Overwhelmingly a British (particularly Northern English) term. Almost entirely unused in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it can be affectionate and celebratory, but may also imply something/showiness that is slightly over the top or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Rare in modern UK English, associated with older generations or used deliberately for humorous/retro effect.
Grammar
How to Use “bobby dazzler” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a (real) bobby dazzler.That [Noun Phrase] is a bobby dazzler!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bobby dazzler” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Your grandmother's vintage brooch is a real bobby dazzler.
- He turned up to the wedding in a white suit and pink tie – a proper bobby dazzler!
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal, friendly conversation, often with humour or surprise.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bobby dazzler”
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's considered quite dated and is used mainly for humorous, nostalgic, or deliberately colourful effect, primarily in British English.
Yes, it can refer to an impressively showy or excellent person (e.g., a stylish dresser) or a remarkably good thing (e.g., a car, a piece of jewellery).
The etymology is uncertain. 'Bobby' may be a generic reference to a man (like 'bloke'), or possibly an intensive prefix similar to 'absolute'. It is not a reference to a police officer.
Not inherently. It is usually complimentary, though it can sometimes carry a slight nuance of irony or suggest something is flashy in a slightly unsophisticated way, depending on context and tone.
A person or thing that is extremely impressive, attractive, or excellent.
Bobby dazzler is usually informal, colloquial, primarily british in register.
Bobby dazzler: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒbi ˈdæzlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɑːbi ˈdæzlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) the bobby dazzler of the [show/party/collection]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a police officer ('bobby') with dazzlingly shiny buttons – someone who stands out brilliantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISUAL SPECTACLE IS A DAZZLING PERSON (The impressive quality of a thing/person is understood through the metaphor of brilliant, blinding light.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bobby dazzler' be LEAST appropriate?