Blinkin

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. A mild British slang swear word used to add emphasis to an angry or irritated remark, like a softer version of bloody
2. An informal euphemism inserted before a noun or after a verb to express exasperation without using a stronger profanity
3. Mildly profane intensifier in British speech, used to show irritation or to stress how annoying something is

Etymology: "Blinkin" is a clipped form of "blinking," a minced oath, meaning a softened substitute for a stronger curse. Like "blooming" and "blasted," it let speakers express irritation without saying the harsher word. It is a participle, which is why it now works as an intensifier in phrases like "blinkin' heck." The verb underneath is "blink," from Middle English "blenken," meaning to glance or deceive, later to close and open the eyes quickly. The curse sense most likely comes from "blight," since "blighting" and "blighted" were used as harmless-sounding stand-ins for a stronger word, and "blinking" followed the same pattern. The link to "blight" is the likely explanation rather than a fully documented one.

Synonyms: flash, wink, twinkle, flicker, blip