BLUE-BLOOD


Meaning of BLUE-BLOOD in English

Expression used by Americans to refer to Englishmen. Dates back to at least the middle ages when the aristocracy rarely, if ever, went out of doors. The result was a transparent, alabaster complexion which made the veins beneath the skin appear prominent and blue. Example: Most Americans think the actor Christopher Plummer is a blue-blood when, in fact, he's a Canadian.

Slang English vocab.      Английский сленговый словарь.