colonel blimp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “colonel blimp” mean?
A person, especially one in authority, who holds outdated, reactionary, and ultra-conservative views, typically characterized by pompous and chauvinistic patriotism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, especially one in authority, who holds outdated, reactionary, and ultra-conservative views, typically characterized by pompous and chauvinistic patriotism.
A stereotype representing an elderly, upper-class, jingoistic British military officer who is out of touch with modern realities; more broadly, any person with staunchly conservative, old-fashioned, and inflexible opinions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is primarily used in British English, drawing on a specific British cultural archetype. In American English, the concept might be described with different terms (e.g., 'die-hard', 'reactionary'), though 'colonel blimp' is understood in educated contexts.
Connotations
In British English, it carries strong connotations of class (upper-class), institution (military, establishment), and a specific historical period (pre-WWII). In American usage, it is a more general literary allusion.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, though still a low-frequency term overall. Rare in everyday American speech.
Grammar
How to Use “colonel blimp” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a real colonel blimp.He reacted like a colonel blimp.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colonel blimp” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His colonel blimpish views on education were met with derision.
- The club had a somewhat blimpish atmosphere.
American English
- The editorial took a blimpish stance against the new policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might describe a CEO with impossibly outdated management practices.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or cultural studies contexts to analyse conservative archetypes.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used humorously or critically to describe an older relative with very fixed views.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colonel blimp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colonel blimp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colonel blimp”
- Capitalizing it when used as a common noun (e.g., 'He's a Colonel Blimp'). Incorrect: it should be lowercase unless referring to the specific character.
- Using it to describe any conservative, rather than specifically a pompous, blustering, and outdated one.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only when referring specifically to the original cartoon character by David Low. When used as a common noun for a type of person, it is lowercase: 'He's a colonel blimp.'
It's unusual, as the archetype is specifically of an elderly, established figure. However, the term can be applied metaphorically to a young person with extremely old-fashioned and blustering opinions.
The accepted adjective is 'blimpish' (e.g., 'blimpish attitudes'). 'Blimp-like' is also sometimes used.
It is derogatory and critical, implying foolishness and being out of touch. It is not a neutral descriptor and would be insulting if applied directly to someone.
A person, especially one in authority, who holds outdated, reactionary, and ultra-conservative views, typically characterized by pompous and chauvinistic patriotism.
Colonel blimp is usually literary, journalistic in register.
Colonel blimp: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɜː.nəl ˈblɪmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɝː.nəl ˈblɪmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a colonel blimp!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COLONEL with a big, BLIMP-like belly, puffing and blustering about 'the good old days' while floating out of touch with the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
OUTDATED IDEAS ARE OLD SOLDIERS / STUBBORNNESS IS PUFFING AND BLUSTERING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'colonel blimp'?