peroxide blonde: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It can be, depending on context. Used purely descriptively for hair colour, it may be neutral. However, it is frequently loaded with the 'dumb blonde' stereotype and can be pejorative when describing a person's character.

Yes, though less common. The phrase can be applied to anyone with hair bleached very light with peroxide. The gendered form 'blond' is sometimes used (e.g., 'peroxide blond footballer'), but the phrase itself is often feminised in cultural perception.

Both describe very light hair. 'Peroxide blonde' specifies the bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) and emphasises the artificial process and its cultural baggage. 'Platinum blonde' is more focused on the metallic, silvery shade of the colour itself and can sound slightly more fashionable or neutral.

It is still understood and used, but its peak usage was in the mid-to-late 20th century. Modern hairdressing might use more specific shade names (ice, platinum, ash blonde). Its use now often carries a deliberate retro or critical nuance.

A person, usually a woman, whose hair is bleached a very light blonde using hydrogen peroxide.

Peroxide blonde is usually informal, occasionally pejorative in register.

Peroxide blonde: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈrɒk.saɪd blɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈrɑːk.saɪd blɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.