bod: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “bod” mean?
A person, often used informally to refer to someone's body or a person of a particular type.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, often used informally to refer to someone's body or a person of a particular type.
Informal, often mildly humorous, reference to an individual, especially one considered as a physical entity or character. Can also refer to one's physical body, especially in fitness contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English as a term for a person. In American English, it is rarer and understood primarily as a slangy shortening of 'body'.
Connotations
In British English, it often implies a type of person (e.g., 'a bit of a strange bod'). In American English, it's more directly associated with physique.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal speech. Low frequency in US, where 'dude', 'guy', or simply 'person' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “bod” in a Sentence
[adjective] + bod[determiner] + bodbod + [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used jokingly: 'We need a new bod in the marketing department.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in UK: 'Who's that bod you were talking to?'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bod”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it in American contexts where it sounds affected.
- Confusing 'He's a good bod' (He's a good person) with 'He has a good bod' (He has a good physique).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal but not inherently offensive. However, like any term for a person, tone and context matter. Calling someone an 'odd bod' could be taken as mildly insulting.
Yes, it is gender-neutral, though historically more common for men. It is perfectly acceptable to refer to a woman as a 'bod'.
'Bloke' is specifically a man. 'Bod' is more general, can refer to any person, and is slightly more abstract or character-focused.
It is a clipped form of 'body', entering English in the 18th century as slang for a person. It is not an acronym.
A person, often used informally to refer to someone's body or a person of a particular type.
Bod is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Bod: in British English it is pronounced /bɒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “odd bod (an eccentric person)”
- “bod squad (a group focused on fitness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOD' as a short, sturdy word for a BODY or a blOKe you might oD(D)ly meet.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSON IS A PHYSICAL BODY / PERSON IS A CONTAINER (for personality).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bod' LEAST likely to be used?