Blighter
Meaning: British term for an annoying or contemptible person; can be affectionate.
'Blighter' is a mild British insult—someone annoying or contemptible. Like many British insults, it can also be affectionate. 'Poor blighter' expresses sympathy. Sounds old-fashioned.
Examples
- You lucky blighter! 你这个走运的家伙!¡Qué suerte tienes, bribón!この幸運なやつめ!이 운 좋은 녀석!
- The poor blighter. 可怜的家伙。El pobre diablo.かわいそうなやつ。불쌍한 녀석.
- What a blighter he is. 他真是个讨厌鬼。Menudo bribón está hecho.あいつは困ったやつだ。정말 골치 아픈 녀석이야.
Pronunciation
/ˈblaɪtə/
Usage Guide
Context: mild insults, sympathy, affection
Tone: old-fashioned, affectionate
✓ Do Say
- Blighter家伙bribónやつ불쌍한 녀석.
- Poor blighter可怜的家伙pobre diabloかわいそうなやつ운 좋은 녀석.
- Lucky blighter幸运的家伙suertudo運のいいやつ나쁜 녀석.
Common Mistakes
- Sounds old-fashioned
- Can be affectionate
Origin & History
From 'blight' (plant disease, curse). A 'blighter' was originally something that blights or curses. Softened to a mild, often affectionate term.
Etymology: From blight (curse, disease)
First recorded: 19th century
Cultural Context
Era: 19th-20th century, dated
Generation: Older generations
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: British period drama
Regional notes: British, old-fashioned.
Variations
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